WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the administration unveiled a proposal to significantly reduce the workforce engaged in U.S. aid initiatives globally as part of its effort to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative could leave fewer than 300 employees in place, a sharp contrast to the thousands currently serving with the agency.
Following this announcement, labor organizations representing federal workers filed a lawsuit requesting a federal court to intervene and halt the agency’s shutdown. They contend that President Trump does not possess the legal authority to terminate an agency formed under congressional statutes.
According to two current USAID team members and one former senior official, who requested anonymity due to a directive from the administration restricting USAID staff from speaking publicly, this plan was shared with senior agency officials. The proposal would drastically cut the workforce to under 300, down from the current total of approximately 8,000 direct employees and contractors, including many who are locally hired abroad. The diminished team would be responsible for managing a select number of critical programs that the administration intends to maintain for the immediate future.
It remains unclear whether this reduction to 300 staff members will be a permanent shift or a temporary one, opening the door for more employees to return after the administration completes a review of its aid programs.
Earlier in the week, the administration notified most USAID employees stationed overseas that they have 30 days, starting Friday, to return to the U.S. The government will cover their travel and relocation expenses. Those opting to remain will be responsible for their costs unless they receive an exception for hardship, as indicated in a notice on the USAID website.
While in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. will continue to extend foreign aid. He emphasized that future aid would be more strategically aligned with national interests, stating during a press conference, “It is going to be foreign aid that makes sense.”
This latest move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who heads an initiative for budget reductions within government operations, to scrutinize and redefine the functions of USAID. Since Trump took office on January 20, there has been a sweeping freeze on funding, which has led to the suspension of the agency’s global operations, with extensive furloughs and administrative leaves affecting nearly all employees. Discussions have emerged about potentially abolishing USAID as a standalone entity and transferring its remaining initiatives to the State Department.
Many Democrats and advocacy groups have deemed this initiative unlawful, arguing that it lacks necessary congressional endorsement. Similar legal grounds have been cited by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees in their lawsuit, which petitions the Washington federal court to direct the reopening of USAID’s facilities, reinstate its staff, and restore funding.
The suit emphasizes that government authorities have neglected to consider the severe implications of their decisions, which could adversely affect American workers, impact millions globally, and compromise U.S. national interests.
