In a seismic policy shift, President Donald Trump has ordered nearly 10,000 employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to be placed on administrative leave by this Friday. This decision is part of a plan to dismantle the foreign aid agency, which Trump has labeled as “corrupt and inefficient.” The directive excludes only personnel deemed essential for mission-critical operations.
A State Department memo issued Tuesday confirmed the furlough of USAID’s global workforce, which is spread across 60 countries. Effective Friday, Feb. 7, at 11:59 p.m. ET, all non-essential USAID personnel will be put on leave. The agency’s website was replaced by a notice announcing the shutdown, and plans for repatriating overseas employees are underway.
Trump’s efforts to overhaul USAID have gained momentum under the guidance of tech mogul Elon Musk, who has been playing a key role in reorganizing federal operations. The president has made it clear that USAID’s operations will be merged with the State Department to reduce costs and improve oversight.
“USAID has been plagued by corruption and waste. We’re bringing real accountability to U.S. foreign aid,” Trump stated during a press briefing.
Adding to the high-profile nature of the restructuring, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as USAID’s acting director. Rubio’s task is to lead the integration process and manage the agency’s transition.
The USAID website now displays a stark message informing employees of the furlough. The State Department also outlined a plan to pay for the return of overseas employees to the U.S. within 30 days. Staff facing exceptional hardships may apply for extensions.
“We appreciate your service,” the memo concluded, but the abrupt action left many employees and aid recipients scrambling for clarity.
“Everything is on hold,” lamented Amanda Lopez, a program officer in South America. “We were making a difference in communities that rely on our help. Now there’s chaos.”
Democratic leaders have blasted the Trump administration, accusing the president of bypassing Congress to eliminate an agency that plays a crucial role in global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. USAID was established in 1998 with bipartisan support and operates with a $40 billion budget allocated by Congress.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the plan, saying, “This is a brazen power grab. USAID is a cornerstone of American leadership abroad, and Trump’s actions are both reckless and unconstitutional.”
Other lawmakers have emphasized the far-reaching consequences of halting aid programs, warning that it could destabilize regions where U.S. influence is crucial.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed these concerns: “This isn’t just about cutting costs. Millions of lives are at stake, and America’s moral authority is on the line.”
On the other side of the aisle, conservative lawmakers have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step to rein in government inefficiency.
“USAID has long been a symbol of bureaucratic excess,” argued Senator Rand Paul. “This restructuring will bring much-needed fiscal discipline to foreign aid programs.”
Some supporters view Musk’s involvement as a promising development. “If Musk can transform entire industries, he can certainly fix our government programs,” said Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
The global impact of Trump’s directive is already being felt. Several nations that rely on USAID’s support for critical programs are seeking clarification on how the changes will affect their projects.
“Our country depends on USAID funding for health and education initiatives,” a spokesperson for the Government of Kenya said. “A sudden suspension would have serious consequences for our citizens.”
NGOs have also raised concerns about the disruption. Dr. Jane Simmons, CEO of Global Relief, warned, “This could create a vacuum in aid delivery, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.”
Legal experts predict that the dismantling of USAID will spark a constitutional showdown. Congress, which holds the power to fund and establish federal agencies, may challenge Trump’s authority to unilaterally abolish USAID.
“The president’s actions likely violate the separation of powers,” said Professor Lawrence Tribe of Harvard Law School. “This could lead to significant legal battles.”
Democrats are already drafting legislation to block the agency’s termination. Advocacy groups, meanwhile, are urging citizens to contact their representatives to save USAID’s programs.
As the Friday deadline approaches, USAID employees remain in a state of uncertainty. Political analysts expect intense debates in Congress and possible court intervention to halt the restructuring plan.
“We are determined to fight this,” vowed Sen. Schumer. “America’s role in the world depends on it.”
The coming weeks will determine whether USAID can survive this political storm. For now, both employees and aid recipients are bracing for the fallout as the Trump administration moves forward with its sweeping changes.
