The Trump administration's decision to drastically reduce the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) workforce has left many aid workers in distress. The USAID website recently announced a plan to repatriate employees within 30 days, although some may apply for exceptions. This move aligns with the administration's broader strategy to cut down USAID staff from roughly 10,000 to just a few hundred. As the largest global provider of humanitarian aid, the U.S. plays a pivotal role, yet this aid constitutes only a small fraction of federal spending.
The deadline for all remaining staff to go on leave was set for Friday night, leaving many employees feeling stranded and concerned about the impact of their absence on the countries and communities they serve. The administration also plans to merge USAID with the U.S. Department of State, a move supported by Republican Senator Jim Risch.
A recently laid-off employee from a nonprofit relying on USAID funding acknowledged the agency's programming can sometimes be "highly inefficient." The White House and State Department have also pointed out foreign aid contributions they believe do not align with the administration's goals. A former U.S. military servicemember expressed concerns that the withdrawal could weaken America's capabilities in conflict zones.
"I know it's hard to ask for patience,"
"I know it's hard to ask for trust, because you've never met me before."
The sudden withdrawal has left those dependent on USAID feeling "a sense of abandonment, a sense of betrayal, a sense of deceit." Employees implementing these programs globally feel deserted by their government and fear their absence could negatively impact the regions they leave behind.
"We work around the clock to answer all the tasks, questions from DC, so I really don't honestly know what he means," – USAID employee in Central America
A federal judge issued a "very limited" temporary restraining order on the shutdown plans, amidst allegations that the administration's swift dismantling of USAID is chaotic and potentially unconstitutional. This sentiment is echoed in a lawsuit filed on Thursday.
"I think what is important is the United States has to get its financial house in order for us to be able to do good anywhere in the future, and we're in the process of doing so," – Republican Congressman Mike Turner
In Central America, a USAID staffer likened their situation to being on the "Titanic," saying, "We are on the Titanic right now, and we're currently sinking." They further expressed their sense of helplessness by stating, "We're just pawns in this game." Similarly, a worker stationed in South Asia compared the experience to being in the "Hunger Games" or "Squid Game" due to the sudden and drastic changes.
"It's terrifying for a lot of people who have lived and worked overseas for a long time," – USAID staffer
The decision to merge USAID with the State Department has garnered mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step towards fiscal responsibility, others fear it could undermine America's longstanding commitment to global humanitarian efforts.