The Trump administration announced on Tuesday its decision to withdraw almost all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers from their jobs and fieldwork worldwide, effectively bringing an end to a six-decade mission aimed at enhancing American security through initiatives such as combating hunger, supporting education, and addressing epidemics.
USAID employees were notified of this development via emails and an online notice, marking a significant shift in the agency's operations under the leadership of returning political appointees from President Donald Trump's first term and government-efficiency teams associated with Elon Musk.
The directive, set to take effect just before midnight on Friday, mandates that agency personnel overseas, excluding those deemed essential, return home within 30 days. Non-essential contractors are also subject to termination.
This move, considered the most drastic among several proposals to integrate USAID into the State Department, follows previous layoffs and program closures resulting from a freeze on foreign assistance imposed by the Trump administration.
The sudden halt in U.S.-funded aid and development work has had far-reaching consequences, impacting projects in approximately 120 countries. This includes security assistance to nations like Ukraine, as well as initiatives focused on clean water, job training, and education, particularly for marginalized groups such as schoolgirls in regions under Taliban control.
Despite being the world's largest humanitarian donor, the U.S. allocates less than 1% of its budget to foreign aid, a proportion lower than that of some other countries. The cessation of vital health programs and delayed delivery of essential supplies, such as food and medication, have raised concerns about the broader implications of these actions.
Supporters of USAID, from both political parties, argue that the agency's work is crucial in countering the influence of global adversaries and strengthening alliances. The decision to expedite the departure of staff and their families is expected to incur substantial travel and relocation costs for the government.
While efforts are underway to challenge this decision, the impact on USAID's workforce, both locally employed and foreign service officers, remains significant. The uncertainty surrounding exceptions and logistical arrangements for the mass withdrawal of overseas personnel adds to the complexity of the situation.
As the agency grapples with these changes, the broader implications of dismantling USAID's operations continue to unfold, prompting concerns about the future of international aid efforts and diplomatic engagements.
