The Trump administration’s decision to place U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) direct-hire staffers around the world on leave, except for those deemed essential, has sent shockwaves through the aid agency’s six-decade mission overseas. The move, announced in a notice posted online, gives workers 30 days to return home and marks the most extreme step in a series of proposals to consolidate the agency into the State Department.
This drastic measure comes after thousands of USAID employees were laid off and programs worldwide were shut down following President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign assistance. The administration, led by Trump political appointees and Elon Musk’s budget-slashing Department of Government Efficiency, has effectively dismantled the aid agency in a matter of weeks despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
The spending stop ordered by the administration has paralyzed U.S.-funded aid and development work globally, leading to furloughs and firings that have gutted the agency’s senior leadership and workforce. The closure of Washington headquarters to staff on Monday was a further blow, with reports of the agency’s computer servers being removed.
Elon Musk’s teams were behind the offline status of USAID’s website over the weekend, which came back online on Tuesday night with the notice of recall or termination for global staffers as its sole post. The decision to withdraw direct-hire staff and their families earlier than planned departures is expected to incur significant costs in travel and relocation expenses for the government.
Staff being placed on leave include both foreign and civil service officers, who have legal protections against arbitrary dismissal and being placed on leave without reason. The American Foreign Service Association, representing U.S. diplomats, has denounced the decision and is preparing legal action to challenge or halt it.
Locally employed USAID staff, however, have limited recourse and were excluded from the federal government’s voluntary buyout offer. Staff abroad have been preparing for the move, making difficult decisions such as pulling children out of school midyear and finding new homes for pets due to fears of insufficient time to complete paperwork for their relocation.
The announcement coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Central America, where he met with embassy and USAID staff at missions in El Salvador and Guatemala. Journalists were not allowed to witness these meetings, but Rubio praised employees for their dedication and service during a similar event in Panama.
Despite the administration’s actions, Democratic lawmakers and others argue that USAID is legally mandated as an independent agency and cannot be shut down without congressional approval. The online notice states that exempted staff will include those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs, with notifications to be provided by Thursday.
As USAID faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, the future of the agency’s vital work in international development remains uncertain. The impact of these decisions on global aid efforts and the lives of those who depend on USAID support is yet to be fully realized. The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Overall Health
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