The Trump administration is taking action to place nearly all of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Washington-based staff on leave, as confirmed by a USAID official and a reliable source.
Major Impact on USAID
This decision affects a large number of individuals and represents another challenge for the agency, which plays a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of President Trump leading an effort to streamline the government, has specifically targeted USAID.
Notification Process
According to an insider, approximately 1,400 employees will receive notifications by Tuesday, in addition to the 600 already placed on leave since Sunday night. This action encompasses the majority of the Washington-based workforce, including civil and Foreign Service officers, with approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s team.
Escalating Actions
A senior USAID official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to concerns about retaliation, disclosed that the agency’s human resources department has restricted system access for over 1,400 staff members. This suggests a larger number of employees being placed on leave than initially disclosed.
Challenges for Contractors
Not only are Washington staff affected, but hundreds of USAID contractors have also faced layoffs or furloughs recently. The freeze on foreign aid imposed by President Trump and efforts to merge USAID into the State Department have contributed to these dismissals.
Lack of Official Response
Despite these significant developments, both the State Department and USAID have refrained from commenting on the situation when approached for statements.
