The U.S. State Department has initiated a significant withdrawal of personnel from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with plans to bring all overseas staff back to the United States by the upcoming weekend. This decision, which has been confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the situation, comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to restructure the agency.
In an internal email, Seth Green, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Global Operations, informed State Department staff that they would be assisting in the recall of USAID employees. The email acknowledged the logistical challenges and emotional strain this rapid evacuation would impose on affected families, who may have to make arrangements for schooling, pet care, and the transportation of personal belongings on short notice.
The recall is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to dismantle USAID, which has been criticized by the President for alleged corruption and inefficiencies. A memo sent late Monday requested overseas missions to provide the number of USAID employees and their families currently stationed abroad. Approximately two-thirds of USAID’s workforce, which totals around 10,000 employees, are stationed in over 60 countries.
The abrupt nature of this recall has raised concerns among employees and experts about the potential ramifications for U.S. foreign aid efforts. Many fear that the withdrawal will leave vulnerable nations more susceptible to influence from adversaries like China and Russia, as the U.S. scales back its humanitarian initiatives. The logistical complexities of the evacuation are expected to be considerable, with one USAID employee describing the situation as "tremendously expensive and undignified."
In recent days, the Trump administration has also put senior USAID officials on leave and laid off hundreds of independent contractors, further complicating the agency’s operations. The inconsistent guidance provided to employees has led to confusion and anxiety within the agency, with some expressing concerns about the long-term impact on U.S. global standing and humanitarian efforts.
As the administration moves forward with its plans, the future of USAID remains uncertain. The agency, which plays a critical role in delivering humanitarian assistance worldwide, is now at a crossroads, facing potential downsizing or a reorganization that could fundamentally alter its mission and capabilities.