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Regime change agent USAID places staff on leave
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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that nearly all of its directly hired staff will be placed on leave, following an order from the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to significantly reduce government operations. The agency confirmed on Tuesday that from Friday, all direct hire personnel, except for those involved in mission-critical functions, core leadership, and designated programs, will be furloughed.
USAID has also stated that its personnel stationed overseas will be recalled within 30 days. Exceptions to this directive will be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for staff facing personal or family hardships, mobility or safety concerns, and other specific situations. USAID will provide further guidance on how employees can apply for these exceptions, including reasons such as dependents' school terms, medical needs, and pregnancy.
The agency employs over 10,000 people, with around two-thirds of them working abroad. USAID's mission, primarily focused on providing foreign aid, has been under increasing scrutiny by the Trump administration, which has indicated the possibility of dissolving the agency and transferring its functions to the U.S. Department of State. President Trump has expressed his intentions to wind down the agency, a sentiment that has raised concerns among critics.
The move comes amidst a concerted effort led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has criticized USAID, calling it a "criminal organization" and accusing it of harboring "radical-left Marxists" who supposedly undermine American interests. Critics have argued that these actions overstep constitutional boundaries, as USAID was established by Congress and its dismantling without legislative approval could be unconstitutional.
USAID, which disbursed more than $72 billion in foreign aid in 2023, has been a key player in U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts globally. The agency's future remains uncertain as the Trump administration pushes forward with its cost-cutting measures.
USAID has also stated that its personnel stationed overseas will be recalled within 30 days. Exceptions to this directive will be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for staff facing personal or family hardships, mobility or safety concerns, and other specific situations. USAID will provide further guidance on how employees can apply for these exceptions, including reasons such as dependents' school terms, medical needs, and pregnancy.
The agency employs over 10,000 people, with around two-thirds of them working abroad. USAID's mission, primarily focused on providing foreign aid, has been under increasing scrutiny by the Trump administration, which has indicated the possibility of dissolving the agency and transferring its functions to the U.S. Department of State. President Trump has expressed his intentions to wind down the agency, a sentiment that has raised concerns among critics.
The move comes amidst a concerted effort led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has criticized USAID, calling it a "criminal organization" and accusing it of harboring "radical-left Marxists" who supposedly undermine American interests. Critics have argued that these actions overstep constitutional boundaries, as USAID was established by Congress and its dismantling without legislative approval could be unconstitutional.
USAID, which disbursed more than $72 billion in foreign aid in 2023, has been a key player in U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts globally. The agency's future remains uncertain as the Trump administration pushes forward with its cost-cutting measures.
Source - the chroncile
