The Trump administration has announced the termination of over 1,600 employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), while placing several other staffers, particularly those working abroad, on indefinite paid leave. The decision marks one of the most significant reductions in the federal workforce under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
Mass Layoffs at USAID
An internal email sent to affected employees, reviewed by Reuters, confirmed the terminations, stating:
“I regret to inform you that you are affected by a Reduction in Force action.”
The layoffs will take effect on April 24, with only a limited number of leadership and critical personnel remaining in their roles. According to notices viewed by The Associated Press, as of Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST, all direct-hire USAID personnel—except those handling mission-critical functions—will be placed on administrative leave globally.
Trump and Musk’s Push to Dismantle USAID
The move aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to significantly reduce the federal government’s size, a goal he shares with billionaire businessman Elon Musk. The administration has long aimed to weaken USAID, a key agency responsible for delivering American foreign assistance and exercising U.S. “soft power” abroad.
Aid Freeze and Funding Cuts
Shortly after assuming office on January 20, 2025, Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, halting funding for programs that combat hunger, deadly diseases, and humanitarian crises. While $5.3 billion in funding exemptions have been approved—mainly for security and counter-narcotics efforts—USAID has received less than $100 million in exemptions. Before the freeze, the agency managed roughly $40 billion in aid annually.
Legal Battle Over Firings
The decision to proceed with the layoffs follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday, which allowed the administration to move forward with the terminations. The ruling rejected a lawsuit filed by USAID employees seeking to block the government’s plan.
Sources By Agencies
