U.S. Administration to Lay Off 2,000 USAID Workers Amid Operational Shutdown
A significant reduction in personnel at USAID as the agency suspends operations worldwide, raising concerns over global aid programs.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a substantial staff reduction at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with 2,000 positions to be eliminated.
An internal communication sent to USAID employees indicated that, as of 11:59 p.m. EST on February 23, 2025, nearly all direct hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for those in critical roles, core leadership, or designated programs.
The decision comes amid a broader operational shutdown of the agency, suggesting a complete cessation of its activities both domestically and internationally.
To facilitate transitions, USAID has introduced a program to assist employees wishing to return home.
This restructuring has been influenced by recommendations from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who leads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The anticipated operational shutdown has already triggered significant disruptions in global aid programs, impacting various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets dependent on USAID funding for their operations.
USAID was initially established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and has since been defined as an independent agency by Congressional action, suggesting that any move to fully eliminate it would require formal legislative processes.
The implications of this personnel reduction could reverberate across numerous sectors reliant on U.S. foreign aid and development assistance.
An internal communication sent to USAID employees indicated that, as of 11:59 p.m. EST on February 23, 2025, nearly all direct hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for those in critical roles, core leadership, or designated programs.
The decision comes amid a broader operational shutdown of the agency, suggesting a complete cessation of its activities both domestically and internationally.
To facilitate transitions, USAID has introduced a program to assist employees wishing to return home.
This restructuring has been influenced by recommendations from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who leads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The anticipated operational shutdown has already triggered significant disruptions in global aid programs, impacting various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets dependent on USAID funding for their operations.
USAID was initially established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and has since been defined as an independent agency by Congressional action, suggesting that any move to fully eliminate it would require formal legislative processes.
The implications of this personnel reduction could reverberate across numerous sectors reliant on U.S. foreign aid and development assistance.
