More than 1,600 USAID Employees Let Go During Trump Administration Overhaul
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Synopsis
The Trump administration has announced significant layoffs at USAID, affecting over 1,600 employees amid legal challenges. This restructuring has sparked debates about the agency's future and its role in US foreign assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,600 USAID employees dismissed.
- Legal challenges impacted earlier layoffs.
- Critical mission functions remain unaffected.
- Elon Musk's DOGE aims to reform USAID.
- USAID plays a crucial role in US diplomacy.
Washington, Feb 24 (NationPress) The administration of Donald Trump has revealed the termination of over 1,600 employees from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), while additional personnel have been placed on paid administrative leave.
This restructuring initiative, categorized as a "reduction in force," was communicated to USAID staff by the Office of the Administrator.
As reported by the BBC, the move to lay off these employees comes after various legal hurdles faced by President Trump's administration, which sought to cut thousands of USAID jobs.
Initially, there was an effort by Trump to dismantle the agency, but a federal judge imposed legal constraints that temporarily halted these actions. However, a recent ruling lifted that suspension, enabling the current layoffs.
A notice sent to USAID staff confirmed that as of 11:59 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, February 23, all direct-hire personnel, with the exception of those engaged in critical mission functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs, would be placed on global administrative leave. The statement clarified that employees involved in essential operations would remain unaffected, although the precise number of such employees was not disclosed.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, is spearheading efforts to reform USAID and aims to diminish the agency's influence.
USAID, recognized for promoting US "soft power" through foreign assistance, is regarded as a vital tool in global diplomacy. Pete Marocco, the deputy administrator of USAID and a Trump appointee, noted that approximately 600 US-based employees would continue to manage logistics for staff and family travel for those deployed overseas.
