Nearly all USAID employees worldwide placed on leave as Trump moves to dismantle the agencyBy Joey Garrison

Trump Moves to Dismantle USAID, Placing Thousands on Leave

WASHINGTON – Nearly 10,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), excluding essential staff, were informed Tuesday that they will be placed on administrative leave by the end of the week as President Donald Trump pushes to shut down the foreign aid agency.

A State Department notice confirmed that all USAID “direct hire personnel” across 60 countries will be affected, except for those handling “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.”

Additionally, the department is planning to repatriate overseas USAID staff within 30 days and terminate non-essential contracts. Employees may request extensions for return due to personal, family, or safety concerns. The notice concluded with a simple acknowledgment: “Thank you for your service.”

Merging USAID Into the State Department

As part of the transition, the USAID website has been replaced with a notice about the restructuring. USAID’s Washington headquarters was shut down on Monday, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as acting director to oversee the agency’s wind-down. The administration, led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, plans to merge USAID into the State Department.

Democrats have strongly opposed the move, arguing that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to dismantle an agency created by Congress in 1998. USAID operates on a $40 billion budget funded by Congress, supporting critical global programs, including women’s health in conflict zones, clean water access, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security, and anti-corruption initiatives.

Trump’s Justification & Political Fallout

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump justified his decision, calling USAID “corrupt” and implying its days are numbered. Musk’s rapid restructuring has sparked fierce backlash from Democrats, who claim the move undermines U.S. global leadership and humanitarian efforts.

The fate of USAID remains uncertain as legal and political battles over its future continue to unfold.

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