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The Trump administration has placed all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) staff on administrative leave, effective Friday (February 7) at 11:59 p.m. This decision, announced in a directive posted on the USAID website, allows exceptions for personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs. Essential personnel will be notified by Thursday afternoon.
According to a senior USAID official, this move is essentially a shutdown of the agency. The decision follows weeks of uncertainty at USAID, as President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk have expressed intentions to dismantle the agency. The agency's website was taken offline last weekend.
The State Department has begun withdrawing USAID personnel stationed overseas, with plans to return them to the United States within 30 days. The recall affects about two-thirds of USAID's 10,000 employees who serve in over 60 countries. The agency will consider case-by-case extensions for overseas staff based on hardships such as school terms and medical needs.
USAID staff protested outside the agency's Washington headquarters on Monday (February 3), joined by Democratic lawmakers who criticized Musk's influence and cost-cutting measures. Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has called USAID a "criminal organization" and has been vocal about shutting it down.
The abrupt recall of overseas staff presents logistical challenges and significant costs. Many employees face difficulties arranging pet care, withdrawing children from school, and planning for their belongings. The last similar attempt during COVID-19 proved challenging and costly.
President Trump has accused USAID of corruption and fraud, delegating Musk and DOGE to review and potentially downsize the agency. This move could lead to USAID being integrated into the State Department.