The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will place thousands of employees on leave starting Friday night, the agency confirmed, as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes forward with sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs.
In a statement, USAID said the directive applies to all “direct-hire personnel”, except for those involved in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.” The decision follows a broader effort by Trump to reduce government-funded initiatives, particularly in foreign assistance, which his administration has criticized as wasteful.
The move is expected to have a major impact on global aid operations, particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan, where USAID provides humanitarian relief and development assistance.
Foreign Aid Freeze Disrupts Global Efforts
The order comes just weeks after Trump’s controversial decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid funding, a move that has already upended critical humanitarian efforts worldwide. USAID, which operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people, will begin arranging the return of its overseas staff in coordination with the State Department.
An agency-wide email sent Tuesday—obtained by BBC News—notified employees that they would be placed on paid administrative leave. Staff were instructed to remain “available” via phone and email but were barred from entering USAID offices.
Employees who fall under the exceptions list will be notified by Thursday at 3:00 p.m. EDT (8:00 p.m. GMT). USAID’s statement concluded with the message: “Thank you for your service.”
USAID Merger Sparks Controversy
The freeze on USAID operations comes amid reports that the Trump administration plans to merge the agency into the State Department. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named acting head of USAID, reinforcing speculation about its potential dismantling.
Democratic lawmakers have strongly opposed the move, calling it “illegal” and “unconstitutional.”
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, a former USAID staffer, warned that gutting the agency would weaken America’s global influence and national security.
“[USAID is] a foreign policy tool with bipartisan origins that is critical in this dangerous global environment,” Kim wrote on social media. “Gutting it means gutting our ability to compete and keep America safe.”
Elon Musk Calls for Agency’s Closure
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who was appointed to lead a government spending review commission, has openly supported eliminating USAID entirely.
Musk previously described the agency as “beyond repair,” arguing that its budget—which exceeded $40 billion in 2023—could be better spent elsewhere.
Critics, however, warn that shutting down USAID would have devastating effects on vulnerable communities worldwide. The agency has been involved in disaster relief, landmine removal, disease prevention, and support for injured soldiers in Ukraine.
Uncertain Future for U.S. Foreign Aid
With USAID facing major staffing cuts and a possible merger, questions remain about the administration’s legal authority to restructure or eliminate the agency without congressional approval.
As the deadline for the leave order approaches, the fate of thousands of USAID workers and global humanitarian efforts remains uncertain.
