The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping reduction of USAID personnel, placing nearly all global staff on paid administrative leave. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to eliminate approximately 2,000 USAID positions within the United States. The decision, which follows a 90-day foreign aid pause ordered by President Trump shortly after assuming office, has been met with considerable backlash from government employee unions and international observers.
A federal judge recently cleared the path for this administrative action, prompting government employee unions to file lawsuits against what they describe as an attempt to dismantle USAID. The agency, responsible for administering around $40 billion in annual programs before the freeze, has seen its operations significantly curtailed. Funding for critical programs addressing starvation, deadly diseases, and the provision of shelters for displaced individuals worldwide has been halted.
USAID programs received less than $100 million in exemptions from the freeze, with the administration approving $5.3 billion in exceptions primarily for security and counter-narcotics initiatives. A notice issued by USAID stated:
"As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, 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."
Furthermore, the notice declared the commencement of a "Reduction-in-Force" impacting approximately 2,000 USAID staff in the U.S.
The appointment of Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting USAID administrator by President Trump earlier this month underscores the administration's reshaping efforts. Elon Musk has controversially remarked that he is "feeding USAID into the wood chipper" as part of his initiative to streamline government efficiency abroad.
Criticism has been swift and severe. Viktor Orbán described USAID as "the heart of a robust financial and power machine," asserting that it was designed to support a liberal-globalist agenda. Wong condemned the move as "a shortsighted, high risk and frankly stupid act," highlighting the broader implications for global aid efforts.
Despite the administration's actions, a second former official noted:
"Unsigned notices like this are not self-implementing. They must be followed up by an individual personnel action or at least an approved leave slip, properly executed by someone with that authority."