WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump administration announced on Sunday that it plans to cut 2,000 positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with the majority of other global staff being placed on leave. This decision follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols that allowed the administration to proceed with the layoffs despite objections from employees in a lawsuit. The judge rejected a request to temporarily halt the government’s staff reduction plan.
Effective immediately, except for key personnel overseeing critical functions and designated programs, nearly all USAID direct hire employees will be placed on administrative leave worldwide. Additionally, the agency will be reducing its U.S.-based workforce by around 2,000 individuals. This move is part of a larger effort by the administration to scale back USAID operations, which includes the closure of its Washington headquarters and termination of numerous aid programs globally.
Concerns have been raised about the welfare of overseas staff who may lose access to essential communications. The administration has assured that workers stationed abroad will continue to have access to Agency systems and emergency resources. USAID is offering voluntary return travel for personnel on leave and additional benefits to support them during this transition period. Judge Nichols, appointed by President Trump, expressed initial worries about the safety of employees in high-risk areas but was reassured by the admin’s emergency communication protocols.
Amid the layoffs, USAID contractors have also received termination notices, raising questions about their eligibility for unemployment benefits due to the lack of specific information in the letters. Another legal challenge temporarily halted the administration’s freeze on foreign assistance, demanding the restoration of funding for programs worldwide. Despite these developments, the Trump administration remains steadfast in its belief that restructuring USAID is essential to curbing wasteful spending and aligning aid efforts with its policy objectives.
As the situation continues to unfold, the impacts of these staffing changes on ongoing programs and aid initiatives remain uncertain. Employees and contractors affected by the layoffs are left grappling with the economic uncertainty and job insecurity amid the broader restructuring efforts within USAID. The administration’s push to reorganize the agency reflects its commitment to reshaping foreign aid policy and realigning priorities in line with its agenda.
