WASHINGTON – Amid the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government, thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers are now facing displacement. On Monday, USAID placed 4,080 employees on leave and announced plans for a “reduction in force” that will impact an additional 1,600 staffers, according to a State Department spokesman.

This move is part of a broader initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to scale back the size of the federal government. USAID has become a primary target of these efforts, with a significant number of its employees being affected. The administration alleges that USAID’s programs are not aligned with the president’s agenda and have been labeled as wasteful, without substantial evidence.

While typically Congressional approval is required to make major changes to USAID, the current administration has proceeded with its plans without congressional consent. The scale of the operation is immense, with over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts being terminated, alongside a significant reduction in U.S. assistance worldwide worth $60 billion.

The abrupt nature of the dismissals has left many USAID employees stunned and concerned about the future. Employees have been given a short window to clear out their workspaces, with strict instructions on the process. The administration’s directive also includes restrictions on the belongings employees can bring when collecting their personal items.

Despite facing legal challenges and lawsuits from various parties, the Trump administration has faced limited opposition in its efforts to downsize USAID. A federal judge recently issued a deadline for the release of blocked foreign aid funds, urging the administration to comply with the court order. However, the Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on this order pending further review.

The impact of these actions is far-reaching, affecting the global aid programs and initiatives undertaken by USAID. Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly has condemned the administration’s actions, labeling them as unwarranted and unprecedented. He highlighted the critical role USAID employees play in providing essential development and foreign assistance worldwide, potentially saving millions of lives annually.