The Trump administration's efforts to reduce the workforce at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) persisted as a federal judge dissolved a temporary restraining order that had prevented the government from placing thousands of agency employees on leave. This latest round of firings, which occurred late Friday, targeted intermittent staff at USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
Employees affected by the termination received an email and notice stating that their termination would take effect in 15 days, on March 10. The Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance plays a crucial role as the lead federal agency in international disaster assistance, with employees responsible for responding promptly to disasters worldwide.
USAID is known for providing humanitarian and development aid across the globe. The Trump administration's actions have resulted in billions of dollars of aid being left in limbo, leading to the termination of life-saving global health programs, early warning systems, and food security efforts.
President Trump and White House officials have defended the decision to reduce USAID spending, citing concerns about wasteful expenditure and asserting that the agency's activities were not in line with the administration's 'America First' policies.
