USAID Workforce Reduction: Trump Administration's Controversial Move

Monday 24 February 2025 - 11:30

The administration of United States President Donald Trump is implementing a large-scale reduction of personnel at the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Nearly all employees, except for those in mission-critical roles, leadership positions, or designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally starting Sunday at 11:59 PM EST.

The agency announced that approximately 1,600 US-based staff members will be laid off, with official notifications being sent on February 23, 2025. Essential personnel required to continue working will be informed separately by the agency’s leadership. An earlier estimate had suggested around 2,000 job losses, though the reason for the discrepancy remains unclear.

This move follows a judicial ruling that allows the Trump administration to proceed with recalling thousands of USAID staff from overseas within 30 days. USAID has outlined a voluntary, agency-funded return program for overseas employees, ensuring access to essential agency resources until their departure.

The decision is part of a broader effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to dismantle USAID, a key institution in distributing US humanitarian aid globally. Musk has strongly criticized the agency, alleging inefficiency, fraud, and ideological bias.

Former officials and humanitarian experts have condemned the decision, warning that dismantling USAID will severely impact vulnerable populations and weaken US global influence. Critics argue that the elimination of crisis response teams could have dire consequences, particularly in addressing global emergencies.

Established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID has played a pivotal role in humanitarian efforts, managing over half of Washington’s $72 billion foreign aid budget in 2023. The agency’s future now faces significant uncertainty as this restructuring unfolds.