The Trump administration is set to significantly reduce the workforce at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), with fewer than 300 people expected to remain employed at the agency. This move will result in the majority of direct hires being placed on leave as of Friday at midnight.
USAID, which currently has around 10,000 personnel worldwide, including numerous contractors, is facing a substantial downsizing. Many contractors have already been furloughed or terminated as part of this restructuring.
According to sources within USAID, only 294 essential workers are anticipated to retain access to agency systems, while the rest will be cut off, including from email communication. This reduction in staff will leave some missions with only one officer remaining, severely limiting the agency's operational capacity.
An official based overseas expressed concerns about the impact of these changes, stating that their mission, which previously had over 20 foreign service officers, will now be left with just one. This drastic reduction in personnel is expected to have far-reaching implications for USAID's ability to carry out its programs effectively.
USAID leadership has announced that all direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, except for designated individuals responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership roles, and specially designated programs. This decision marks a significant shift in the agency's staffing structure and operational priorities.
