WASHINGTON DC: The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant restructuring at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), placing nearly all but a select few employees on leave worldwide and eliminating close to 1,600 positions in the United States.
In an email sent to USAID employees by the Office of the Administrator, it was revealed that a “reduction in force” initiative would result in the laying off of approximately 1,600 staff members.
The move is part of broader efforts to cut down on the agency’s size and operations, the BBC reported.
This decision follows a prolonged attempt by President Trump to reduce the size of USAID, initially seeking to terminate thousands of employees.
However, his administration faced significant legal challenges, with a federal judge blocking the move to abolish the agency altogether. While the judge’s ruling temporarily halted the effort, it was announced on Friday that the pause would not be indefinite, allowing the restructuring process to continue.
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According to a notice issued to USAID employees and reported by the Associated Press, the changes will take effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The notice stated that, “all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally.”
However, the notice clarified that those employees designated as being responsible for mission-critical tasks likely including senior leadership and individuals working on essential programs will remain unaffected by the changes.
The exact number of employees considered critical to the agency’s operations, however, was not immediately specified, leaving uncertainty about how many will continue working during this reorganization.
This major restructuring reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to streamline government operations, despite concerns about its impact on global development and foreign aid operations.
Critics argue that such cuts could hinder the U.S.’s ability to address critical international challenges, especially in areas like humanitarian aid, poverty alleviation, and global health programs.
The decision to place most of USAID’s staff on leave and reduce its workforce also raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign aid and diplomacy.
