A controversial move by the Trump administration could see the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) slashing its workforce from approximately 10,000 to fewer than 300. The initiative, which has drawn criticism and legal backlash, raises significant concerns about the future of American foreign aid initiatives.
USAID Faces Historic Cuts with Staff Reductions as Trump Administration Moves Forward
USAID Faces Historic Cuts with Staff Reductions as Trump Administration Moves Forward
The Trump administration plans to reduce USAID's staff drastically, placing thousands on leave amidst ongoing legal challenges and national debates on foreign aid.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is on the brink of a staggering reduction in its workforce, with plans to cut staff from around 10,000 to fewer than 300 globally due to drastic budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Effective at midnight, all but a few essential personnel are expected to be placed on administrative leave, impacting thousands of employees stationed internationally. An internal notice indicates preparations are underway for return travel and the termination of contracts for non-essential personnel.
This drastic proposal has already generated outrage among segments of the public and officials within the agency. Former USAID chief, Brian Atwood, condemned the plan as "outrageous," arguing that such a significant reduction could potentially dismantle an organization that has historically saved millions of lives through its humanitarian efforts. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), representing USAID staff, alongside the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), is currently involved in a legal suit aimed at halting these cutbacks. They assert that the president's actions violate constitutional and federal laws, stating that dismantling congressionally authorized agencies is not within presidential powers.
The lawsuit specifies that the administration’s actions, largely influenced by cost-cutting advisor Elon Musk, have already frozen numerous aid programs in countries worldwide, leading to a global humanitarian crisis. It demands the appointment of an independent acting director for USAID, restoration of its grant contracts, and the lifting of mandatory evacuation notices for staff as immediate steps to prevent further damage.
Polling suggests a significant segment of the American populace holds skepticism toward foreign aid, with some 90% of Republicans feeling that the U.S. is overspending in this regard. Despite this, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured a gathering of USAID workers that the country does not intend to withdraw from foreign aid deliveries. Instead, he insists that programs must align with U.S. priorities, justifying expenditures to avoid compromising essential foreign aid missions.
Thousands of USAID employees are bracing for administrative leave starting Friday night, as the agency's operational capabilities hang in a delicate balance amidst ongoing tensions and uncertainty regarding future missions.
This drastic proposal has already generated outrage among segments of the public and officials within the agency. Former USAID chief, Brian Atwood, condemned the plan as "outrageous," arguing that such a significant reduction could potentially dismantle an organization that has historically saved millions of lives through its humanitarian efforts. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), representing USAID staff, alongside the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), is currently involved in a legal suit aimed at halting these cutbacks. They assert that the president's actions violate constitutional and federal laws, stating that dismantling congressionally authorized agencies is not within presidential powers.
The lawsuit specifies that the administration’s actions, largely influenced by cost-cutting advisor Elon Musk, have already frozen numerous aid programs in countries worldwide, leading to a global humanitarian crisis. It demands the appointment of an independent acting director for USAID, restoration of its grant contracts, and the lifting of mandatory evacuation notices for staff as immediate steps to prevent further damage.
Polling suggests a significant segment of the American populace holds skepticism toward foreign aid, with some 90% of Republicans feeling that the U.S. is overspending in this regard. Despite this, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured a gathering of USAID workers that the country does not intend to withdraw from foreign aid deliveries. Instead, he insists that programs must align with U.S. priorities, justifying expenditures to avoid compromising essential foreign aid missions.
Thousands of USAID employees are bracing for administrative leave starting Friday night, as the agency's operational capabilities hang in a delicate balance amidst ongoing tensions and uncertainty regarding future missions.
