The Trump administration is set to implement significant changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with plans to place nearly all employees on administrative leave. This decision, which affects approximately 1,600 U.S.-based personnel, will take effect at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Only those designated as essential personnel, responsible for critical functions and leadership roles, will continue to work during this period.
In an official notice posted on its website, USAID informed employees of the impending leave, stating that those impacted would receive specific notifications regarding their status and instructions on benefits and rights on the same day. The agency had previously indicated that around 2,000 positions would be eliminated, though no explanation was provided for the discrepancy in numbers.
This move follows a recent court ruling that allows the Trump administration to expedite the recall of thousands of USAID staff from overseas assignments within a 30-day timeframe. The agency has proposed a voluntary return travel program for overseas personnel, which will include support to ensure their safety until they can return home. USAID has committed to maintaining access to agency systems and resources for these employees during this transition.
The administration’s actions have drawn criticism, particularly from former USAID officials and humanitarian workers, who warn that dismantling the agency will have dire consequences for vulnerable populations around the world. Marcia Wong, a former deputy assistant administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, expressed concern over the potential loss of expertise in crisis response, stating that such a decision is both shortsighted and risky.
The push to restructure USAID has been led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which has been vocal in its criticism of the agency, labeling it as wasteful and ideologically driven. Musk has previously referred to USAID as a "criminal organization," asserting that it operates outside the scope of its intended mission.
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID is the largest single donor of humanitarian aid globally, responsible for distributing a significant portion of the United States’ foreign aid budget. The agency’s future now hangs in the balance as the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, raising alarms about the impact on U.S. humanitarian efforts and soft power on the international stage.