Trump Fires 1,600 USAID Workers, Freezes Foreign Aid
The administration of President Donald Trump has fired at least 1600 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees based in the country and placed thousands more on paid leave as part of a sweeping effort to freeze nearly all foreign aid, according to a statement seen by Neusroom.
The move, carried out through a “reduction in force” mechanism, will primarily affect U.S.-based employees. However, foreign service officers and direct hires stationed abroad have also been ordered to return home, with many fearing termination upon arrival.
“USAID is beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force that will affect approximately 1,600 USAID personnel with duty stations in the United States,” the statement said.
For overseas personnel, the agency adds that it “intends a voluntary Agency-funded return travel program and other benefits.”
“USAID is committed to keeping its overseas personnel safe. Until they return home, personnel will retain access to Agency systems and to diplomatic and other resources.”
However, “mission-critical programs,” “core leadership,” and “specially designated programs” are the only exceptions to the leave orders, according to the statement.
The mass dismissals come just days after Judge Carl J. Nichols of the Federal District Court in Washington ruled that the Trump administration could proceed with its planned layoffs and agency shutdowns. The ruling dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block the cuts and prevent the forced return of overseas staff.
Since late January, Pete Marocco, a former State Department political appointee known for his controversial tenure in the first Trump administration, has been leading the dismantling of USAID. He is working alongside Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul and Trump adviser, who has openly criticized the agency, pushing conspiracy theories about its operations.
Last week, the administration also terminated 400 contractors working on urgent humanitarian aid.
