USAID Staff Placed on Leave Amid Trump Administration’s Downsizing Efforts
Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 05-02-2025
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that nearly all of its directly hired employees will be placed on leave, a decision aligned with former President Donald Trump’s initiative to significantly reduce the size of the federal government.
In a statement released on Tuesday, USAID specified that starting Friday, only a select group of personnel responsible for essential operations, leadership roles, and designated programs would remain active. Additionally, agency staff stationed abroad are required to return to the U.S. within the next 30 days.
The agency acknowledged that certain employees may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances, such as medical needs, safety concerns, pregnancy, or the academic schedules of their dependents. It assured staff that further instructions on how to apply for exceptions would be provided soon.
USAID, which employs over 10,000 individuals—approximately two-thirds of whom are based overseas—has found itself at the center of discussions regarding its potential dissolution. The Trump administration has been considering transferring the agency’s responsibilities to the U.S. Department of State.
When asked about USAID’s future, Trump indicated that he was indeed contemplating its closure, stating, “I think so.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that he is currently serving as USAID’s acting administrator.
The agency, which managed over half of Washington’s $72 billion foreign aid budget in 2023, has been a primary target in a government spending reduction initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk. His recently established Department of Government Efficiency has pushed for significant budget cuts, with Musk himself labeling USAID a “criminal organization” and accusing it—without evidence—of being a hub for radical left-wing ideologies.
Critics argue that the administration lacks the authority to dismantle USAID through executive action, as the agency was created by congressional legislation. They have also raised concerns about the potential consequences of such a move on U.S. foreign aid efforts and diplomatic influence.
