Trump administration fires 1,600 USAID employees amid foreign aid overhaul
PTC Web Desk: In a sweeping move to restructure the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Trump administration has terminated over 1,600 employees, with additional staff stationed overseas placed on paid administrative leave. The decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to reduce the size of the federal government and reshape American foreign aid.
Affected employees received official notifications stating, “I regret to inform you that you are affected by a Reduction in Force action.” Those impacted will officially leave federal service on April 24, according to an internal email reviewed by Reuters.
A select group of essential personnel, including senior leadership and staff managing mission-critical functions, will continue working. Notices sent to employees, viewed by The Associated Press, confirmed that as of 11.59 pm. EST on February 23, most direct-hire USAID personnel would be placed on administrative leave globally.
The large-scale workforce reduction is part of a broader initiative led by Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to drastically cut USAID’s operations. The agency, which has been the primary channel for American foreign aid for over six decades, plays a significant role in international development and US diplomatic influence.
Shortly after taking office on January 20, Trump initiated a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, suspending funding for essential programmes, including those combating starvation and deadly diseases. While the administration has permitted $5.3 billion in exemptions, most of these funds have been allocated to security and counter-narcotics efforts. USAID programmes received less than $100 million in exemptions, a stark contrast to its pre-freeze annual budget of $40 billion.
The decision to terminate USAID employees follows a legal battle in which a federal judge allowed the administration to proceed with its restructuring plan. On Friday, February 21, US District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed an employee lawsuit that sought to halt the layoffs, clearing the way for the administration’s sweeping cuts.
- With inputs from agencies
