The Trump administration has ordered nearly all directly hired staff of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to be placed on leave.
This decision is part of a broader effort to shrink the government, and it’s estimated that around 60 senior career officials will be affected.
As of Friday, all direct-hire personnel will be placed on leave, except for those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs. Staff currently posted abroad have been instructed to return to the United States within 30 days, although exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as personal or family hardship, safety concerns, or medical needs.
USAID manages billions of dollars in foreign aid, and this move signals a dramatic shift in the government’s approach to international development under the Trump administration.
The agency has been a frequent target of budget-cutting efforts by conservative policymakers, and it remains to be seen how long the leave period will last or what the long-term impact on U.S. foreign aid operations will be.
The statement from USAID concluded with a simple message to affected staff: “Thank you for your service.” As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that this move will have far-reaching consequences for USAID staff and the communities they serve.
