WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced plans to withdraw nearly all personnel from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), effectively curtailing a longstanding mission that has spanned over 60 years. This move represents a significant shift in approach, as the agency has played a crucial role in enhancing American security through efforts aimed at alleviating hunger, promoting education, and combating disease outbreaks globally.
In an official communication sent via email and posted on the agency’s website, the administration indicated that this decision reflects the influence of political appointees from Trump’s previous term and initiatives by Elon Musk’s government-efficiency teams, who have labeled much of the funding for international programs as wasteful. This directive is scheduled to take effect just before midnight on Friday, providing direct hires working overseas a 30-day window to return unless they are classified as essential personnel. The notice also stated that contractors who do not meet essential criteria would be terminated.
Rumors about the agency’s reduction in workforce circulated for several days, culminating in this drastic action. The administration had explored various options, including consolidating USAID’s functions into the State Department, shutting down smaller missions, or scaling back operations at larger sites. The current decision marks the most severe step taken thus far.
Previously, the Trump administration had implemented a broad freeze on foreign assistance, leading to mass layoffs of USAID employees and the shutdown of numerous international programs. Despite significant backlash from Democratic legislators, USAID has been a primary focus for cuts as the new administration, along with Musk’s budget-reduction efforts, aims to streamline federal operations. Consequently, a moratorium on spending has led to disruptions in U.S.-funded aid and development activities globally, alongside significant reductions in the agency’s leadership and workforce. Reports indicate that even the agency’s headquarters in Washington has been closed to staff, with critical equipment being removed.
Musk openly commented on the agency’s diminishing role, highlighting the drastic measures that have been taken. The withdrawal of thousands of agents both overseas and in Washington is expected to jeopardize billions of dollars allocated for projects across approximately 120 nations. These include vital security assistance to allies like Ukraine, as well as development initiatives focused on clean water access, job training, and educational opportunities, particularly for schoolgirls facing challenges under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
The United States is recognized globally as the largest provider of humanitarian aid, contributing less than 1% of its overall budget to foreign assistance— a smaller ratio than that of several other nations. Key health initiatives that have significantly aided in eradicating diseases such as polio and smallpox, in addition to a renowned HIV/AIDS program that has saved over 20 million lives in Africa, have already come to a standstill. Monitoring efforts for contagious disease outbreaks, like recent Ebola cases in Uganda, have also ceased.
The swift shutdown of agency operations has led to the stagnation of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of U.S. food and medical supplies stuck in ports globally due to the sudden suspension of the agency’s work.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue that USAID is established as an autonomous agency under legislation, thus requiring congressional approval to disband. Supporters from both parties emphasize the agency’s pivotal role in countering the global influence of countries like Russia and China, as well as fostering international partnerships.
The government is expected to incur substantial costs, potentially amounting to tens of millions of dollars, associated with the early withdrawal of staff and their families, given the rapidity of the announcement. Those affected include civil service and foreign service officers who typically enjoy protections against arbitrary leaves or dismissals.
The American Foreign Service Association, which represents U.S. diplomats, issued a heartfelt message to members criticizing the administration’s decision, indicating plans to initiate legal action against it. Meanwhile, local USAID employees may have limited options for recourse and were not included in the federal buyout offers.
As speculation mounted regarding the imminent order, USAID families found themselves in distressing positions, grappling with decisions like whether to remove children from their schools midyear or give away beloved pets in light of uncertain timelines for relocating. The administration has stated it would review requests for further delays on a case-by-case basis; however, the limited workforce soon to be absent raises questions about the feasibility of processing these requests.
Over the weekend, USAID’s website was taken offline but reappeared on Tuesday with only the termination and recall notices for global staff present.
This announcement coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Central America, where he met with embassy and USAID staff at major missions in El Salvador and Guatemala. While reporters traveling with Rubio were barred from the staff meetings in these countries, they were permitted to attend a similar event in Panama where Rubio commended the dedication of local employees.
In remarks made earlier Tuesday, Rubio expressed his continued support for foreign aid, asserting that it must further U.S. national interests. The online announcement indicated that some staff would be exempt from departing, particularly those engaged in essential functions and key leadership roles, with notifications expected by Thursday afternoon.
“Thank you for your service,” concluded the notice.