Trump Administration Moves to Place Most USAID Workers on Leave

Beginning midnight Sunday, the Trump administration will place the majority of USAID employees on administrative leave and lay off approximately 2,000 staff members. This decision, directly linked to the administration's contentious efforts to slash federal spending on foreign aid, has been met with mixed reactions, including legal challenges and public concern regarding the implications for international aid.

In a bold move, the Trump administration announced that beginning midnight Sunday, most USAID employees will be placed on administrative leave, with approximately 2,000 facing layoffs as part of a "reduction in force." The announcement came through an email obtained by CBS News, which revealed details of the administration’s ongoing restructuring efforts at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

This latest directive follows a tumultuous period where President Donald Trump sought to eliminate a significant number of USAID positions but faced legal opposition. A recent ruling by federal judge Carl Nichols allowed the administration to proceed with its plans, dismissing requests from employees who urged for the cessation of layoffs. The government agency, which predominantly oversees foreign aid initiatives, will continue to keep "designated personnel" who perform critical functions present, though the exact numbers of those identified as essential remain uncertain.

The Trump administration's focus on reducing government expenditure has garnered attention, particularly with the involvement of billionaire advisor Elon Musk, who has been vocal in his critique of federal spending on international aid. Musk’s call to scrutinize the productivity and efficiency of bureaucrats adds an unusual element to the accountability narrative propagated by the administration.

During a conservative convention near Washington, Trump reiterated his disdain for USAID, branding it a "left-wing scam" and highlighting ongoing efforts to phase out its operations. He announced that USAID's space will be repurposed for Customs and Border Patrol agents, emphasizing his administration's commitment to redefining the U.S. approach to foreign assistance.

With around 10,000 employees, of which two-thirds are stationed overseas, USAID has been a critical player in delivering humanitarian aid globally. However, the freeze on operations raises concerns among global health experts and international organizations, signaling potential risks to health systems in fifty countries reliant on U.S. assistance.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of USAID's operational changes on global aid initiatives and the welfare of affected employees remain closely watched by advocates and critics alike.