As part of a significant policy change, USAID announced that thousands of employees will be put on leave beginning Friday evening. According to a statement, direct-hire employees will be impacted by the USAID staff cuts, except those in leadership positions, mission-critical roles, and specific programs.
The precise number of affected employees will not be known until Thursday afternoon when officials will contact them. The Trump administration has repeatedly pushed for changes at USAID, arguing the agency wastes funds and must align with new priorities.
Agency staff and democratic lawmakers have vehemently opposed the cuts, warning they endanger lives and harm US national security. The administration’s earlier decision to freeze foreign aid disrupted assistance efforts in conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan.
USAID employs over 10,000 people worldwide and offers aid to more than 100 nations. According to government figures, approximately two-thirds of these workers are employed abroad. The agency’s $40 billion yearly budget is around 0.6% of all government spending.
According to a statement on USAID’s website, the organization will coordinate with the State Department to set up return travel for impacted foreign-based staff members. The cuts are part of broader spending reductions the administration has enacted in coordination with Elon Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency.
Earlier this week, the White House highlighted several programs as examples of wasteful spending, including grants for LGBTQ initiatives in Serbia and electric vehicles in Vietnam. Many lawmakers have criticized these moves, calling them politically motivated.
Senator Andy Kim, a former USAID official, stated, “Gutting it means gutting our ability to compete and keep America safe.” Critics warn that the USAID staff cuts will have devastating consequences for humanitarian efforts worldwide, including HIV treatment and landmine removal.
