The Trump administration has dropped a bombshell on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), putting thousands of employees on paid administrative leave and cutting over 1,600 jobs in the US.
What’s Happening to USAID?
As of Sunday, all USAID direct hire personnel except for essential workers will be put on leave, according to the agency’s website.
This move is part of a larger effort to reduce the agency’s workforce, with around 1,600 positions being eliminated in the US. But what does this mean for the future of American foreign assistance?
The Backstory
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted USAID. Billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been leading the charge to gut the agency, which is the main delivery mechanism for American foreign assistance.
This has been a critical tool for the US to win influence abroad, but it seems those days may be numbered.
Reaction from Former Officials
Two former senior USAID officials are speaking out against the move, saying it’s a shortsighted decision that will hurt the US in the long run.
“This administration is cutting into the expertise and unique crisis response capacity of the US,” said Marcia Wong, one of the former officials.
“When disease outbreaks occur or populations are displaced, these USAID experts are on the ground and first deployed to help stabilize and provide aid.”
The Human Impact
The move is set to affect around 4,600 USAID personnel, including career US Civil Service and Foreign Service staffers. But what about the people who rely on USAID’s programs?
The agency’s work includes fighting starvation and deadly diseases, as well as providing shelters for millions of displaced people across the globe.
A Brief History of Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has frozen foreign aid. Shortly after taking office, Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid, halting funding for many USAID programs.
While some exceptions have been made, including $5.3 billion for security and counter-narcotics programs, USAID programs have received relatively little funding – less than $100 million.
What’s Next for USAID?
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of USAID and American foreign assistance is uncertain.
With thousands of employees on leave and over 1,600 jobs cut, it’s unclear how the agency will continue to provide critical aid and support to those in need. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.