Trump zAdministration Moves to Overhaul USAID, Sparking Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is implementing sweeping changes at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with plans to either dismiss or place the majority of its workforce on administrative leave. The decision has raised alarms among humanitarian experts, who warn that such a move could disrupt crucial aid efforts and weaken U.S. global influence.

Mass Staff Reductions Announced

According to an official notice posted on USAID’s website, nearly all employees, except those responsible for critical functions, core leadership roles, or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally starting at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday (04:59 GMT Monday). Alongside this, approximately 1,600 U.S.-based employees are set to be laid off, marking one of the most significant reductions in the agency’s history.

The affected employees will receive official notifications regarding their status on February 23, 2025, with details on their rights and benefits. Meanwhile, the small group of essential personnel who will continue working will be informed by USAID leadership by 5:00 p.m. EST (22:00 GMT) on the same day.

A previous communication had suggested that 2,000 domestic positions would be eliminated, but the agency has not provided clarification for the discrepancy between the two figures.

This move follows a recent court ruling that allowed the Trump administration to proceed with plans to recall thousands of USAID employees from overseas within a 30-day period. USAID has stated that it will offer voluntary, government-funded return travel programs for overseas personnel, as well as other benefits to assist in the transition.

The agency reassured staff that their safety remains a priority, stating that overseas employees will continue to have access to agency systems, diplomatic resources, and logistical support until their return. Further instructions regarding the retrieval of personal belongings and the return of government-issued devices are expected to be provided in the coming days.

Elon Musk’s Influence on the Decision

One of the driving forces behind this overhaul is Elon Musk, who heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency within the Trump administration. Musk has been vocal in his criticism of USAID, branding it a “criminal organization” and a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.” His remarks, along with similar sentiments from other Trump allies, suggest that the administration views the agency as inefficient and ideologically biased.

Musk and his supporters argue that USAID has deviated from its intended mission, wasting taxpayer dollars and funding initiatives that align more with liberal agendas than with strategic U.S. interests. This perspective has fueled the push to significantly scale back the agency’s operations.

Concerns Over Humanitarian and Geopolitical Consequences

The decision to gut USAID has been met with strong opposition from former agency officials and humanitarian experts. Critics warn that dismantling the leading U.S. provider of international aid will have dire consequences for millions of vulnerable people across the globe.

Marcia Wong, a former deputy assistant administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, condemned the move, calling it “shortsighted, high-risk, and frankly, stupid.” She emphasized that USAID plays a crucial role in responding to crises, controlling disease outbreaks, and stabilizing displaced populations.

Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. In 2023 alone, the agency distributed over half of Washington’s $72 billion foreign aid budget, making it the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance worldwide. Experts argue that weakening USAID not only jeopardizes essential aid programs but also diminishes America’s soft power and diplomatic influence.

The restructuring of USAID marks a significant departure from the U.S.’s traditional approach to foreign assistance. While the Trump administration frames the move as a cost-saving measure aimed at eliminating inefficiencies, critics see it as a politically motivated effort to curtail international aid.

With thousands of employees facing termination or uncertainty, and humanitarian programs potentially at risk, the future of USAID remains uncertain. As the global community watches closely, the long-term impact of this decision, both on international aid recipients and on U.S. foreign relations, will become increasingly evident in the months ahead.