Approximately 2,000 employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be laid off, with the majority of remaining full-time staff being placed on administrative leave. An email sent to workers informed them of these changes, which are set to take effect immediately.
All USAID direct hire personnel, except for those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally. This decision is part of a Reduction-in-Force affecting approximately 2,000 USAID personnel stationed in the United States.
Specific notifications will be sent to those affected, with essential personnel being informed by a specified deadline. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a union representing USAID personnel, expressed disappointment at the administration's abrupt decision and its impact on dedicated public servants.
This move is part of a broader trend of downsizing within the federal agency, known for providing humanitarian assistance worldwide. The Trump administration's actions, including a recent court ruling lifting a restraining order, have accelerated the restructuring process at USAID.
Over the weekend, employees at USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance were also affected by these changes. This bureau plays a crucial role in responding to global disasters at short notice.
As the situation unfolds, the future of USAID and its workforce remains uncertain, with ongoing concerns about the impact on employees' lives and the agency's ability to fulfill its humanitarian mission.
