In a surprising move, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that thousands of its employees will be placed on leave, sparking fears over the future of global humanitarian programs.
### USAID Employees Face Unprecedented Leave Amid Funding Cuts
### USAID Employees Face Unprecedented Leave Amid Funding Cuts
**Announcement impacts thousands, raising concerns for global humanitarian efforts.**
Friday marks the beginning of a significant workforce reduction at USAID, with the agency revealing that all "direct-hire personnel" will be put on leave, excluding those in mission-critical roles and other select positions. This decision comes as part of a series of budget cuts initiated by President Donald Trump since his return to the presidential office last month. Critics argue that this could severely affect the agency's ability to deliver crucial aid worldwide.
The agency’s official statement outlined the plans for the transition, noting that it would collaborate with the State Department to facilitate the return of personnel stationed abroad. Employees exempt from leave will be informed by Thursday afternoon. The agency, which provides humanitarian assistance to over 100 nations, employs approximately 10,000 individuals, with the majority working overseas as reported by the Congressional Research Service.
On Tuesday, affected employees received a communication directing them to remain available via phone and email during business hours while being restricted from accessing USAID facilities. The recent changes come amid Trump’s administration's broader strategy to reduce government funding by targeting agencies such as USAID, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio now also serves as acting head. The controversial actions have garnered backlash, especially from Democrats who regard USAID as vital to national security and effective foreign policy.
Established in 1961, USAID has been essential in executing various humanitarian projects, ranging from providing medical support in conflict zones to managing health crises like the Ebola outbreak. Lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey, argue that dismantling such an agency undermines America's role on the global stage and could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable populations that rely on U.S. aid.
As the global community watches closely, the operational future of USAID hangs in the balance, amidst these politically charged funding cuts.
The agency’s official statement outlined the plans for the transition, noting that it would collaborate with the State Department to facilitate the return of personnel stationed abroad. Employees exempt from leave will be informed by Thursday afternoon. The agency, which provides humanitarian assistance to over 100 nations, employs approximately 10,000 individuals, with the majority working overseas as reported by the Congressional Research Service.
On Tuesday, affected employees received a communication directing them to remain available via phone and email during business hours while being restricted from accessing USAID facilities. The recent changes come amid Trump’s administration's broader strategy to reduce government funding by targeting agencies such as USAID, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio now also serves as acting head. The controversial actions have garnered backlash, especially from Democrats who regard USAID as vital to national security and effective foreign policy.
Established in 1961, USAID has been essential in executing various humanitarian projects, ranging from providing medical support in conflict zones to managing health crises like the Ebola outbreak. Lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey, argue that dismantling such an agency undermines America's role on the global stage and could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable populations that rely on U.S. aid.
As the global community watches closely, the operational future of USAID hangs in the balance, amidst these politically charged funding cuts.
