In recent developments, significant changes initiated by the Trump administration have disrupted the functions of the U.S. agency responsible for delivering humanitarian aid to various nations. This overhaul has resulted in numerous high-ranking officials being put on leave, thousands of contractors dismissed, and a comprehensive freeze on billions of dollars allocated for foreign assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the decision to halt foreign assistance, asserting that “the U.S. government is not a charity.” Meanwhile, aid organizations have expressed concerns that this funding freeze and the resultant ambiguity surrounding which U.S.-funded programs must cease operations have left them in a precarious position. They fear that discontinuing essential services, like those providing constant nutritional support to severely malnourished infants and children, could lead to tragic consequences, including loss of life.
Current and former officials from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed that staff members had been invited to propose exemptions for certain programs affected by the foreign aid suspension. This suspension was put in place on January 20, with additional guidelines issued shortly thereafter. However, just three days following the announcement, over 50 senior USAID career employees found themselves unexpectedly placed on administrative leave.
Sources indicate that a significant number of those who were relieved of their duties were attorneys who had been assisting in determining potential qualifying programs for waivers and facilitating post-freeze operations. Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to fear of repercussions, these officials highlighted that a Trump administration directive, perceived as a strict gag order, has created an environment where many are hesitant to voice their concerns for fear of losing future funding.
In a memo issued on Monday regarding these staffing changes, newly appointed acting USAID administrator Jason Gray identified “several actions within USAID that appear to be designed to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people.” Gray’s correspondence detailed that a number of employees would remain on paid administrative leave as the agency analyzed these actions further.
A former high-ranking USAID official noted that those placed on leave were integral in guiding aid organizations through the complex process of requesting waivers to enable the continuation of vital projects, such as providing clean water to displaced populations in conflict zones. Others who fell under scrutiny for their involvement in diversity and inclusion efforts were also noted as being included in the sweeping leave.
On Thursday, an HR official from USAID who attempted to oppose these decisions was himself placed on leave, highlighting further internal tensions. This action has been confirmed by sources who have seen related emails, which were first reported by various news outlets. Attempts to obtain comments on these staffing adjustments from the State Department and the White House have been met with silence.
Additionally, new leadership at USAID has resulted in the abrupt termination of contractors, who represent about half of the agency’s workforce in the humanitarian sector. This mass dismissal has caused significant disruption, with reports emerging of contractors disappearing from video meetings mid-conference. These contractors typically provide crucial support, including administrative assistance, travel logistics, and analytical services.
This significant staffing overhaul occurred shortly after the State Department laid out guidelines to enforce the executive order freezing foreign aid for a 90-day period. The department indicated that it is reviewing U.S. expenditures to ensure compliance with current administration policies.
Initially, the guidelines granted exemptions only to military aid for Israel and Egypt, along with emergency food assistance, while allowing program administrators the opportunity to seek waivers for projects deemed to meet the administration’s standards. Rubio later announced broader exemptions for programs providing other forms of life-saving assistance, reaffirming his commitment to the idea of issuing waivers as necessary.
Rubio emphasized the importance of reviewing aid projects on a case-by-case basis to determine which initiatives contribute positively to the safety, strength, and prosperity of the nation. He claimed that pausing U.S. funded programs during this review period has resulted in increased cooperation among recipients of humanitarian and security assistance.
According to the State Department, numerous waiver requests have already been reviewed since the aid freeze commenced; however, many were returned for lacking sufficient detail. The department has indicated an ongoing review of proposals, some valued at billions of dollars, while highlighting that their actions have prevented over $1 billion from being allocated to programs misaligned with the so-called “America First agenda.”
Despite broadening guidelines for life-saving services, there remains uncertainty around what U.S.-funded programs are legally permitted to continue functioning. Aid organizations have raised alarms regarding the dire circumstances faced by hundreds of thousands globally, resulting in a lack of essential medical services and humanitarian materials due to the aid freeze.
