Sweeping Cuts Leave Thousands Jobless and Global Aid Programs in Limbo
The Trump administration is making drastic cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), retaining fewer than 300 employees out of more than 10,000 worldwide, according to four sources familiar with the plan.
USAID, the U.S. government’s primary humanitarian aid agency, has been targeted for restructuring as part of a government overhaul initiative spearheaded by businessman and Trump ally Elon Musk since the president took office on January 20.
The administration announced Tuesday that all USAID direct-hire employees worldwide would be placed on leave, with thousands of overseas personnel recalled immediately.
Sources said 294 staff members would retain their positions, while hundreds of internal contractors have already been laid off. Some employees reportedly began receiving termination notices Thursday.
The agency’s $40 billion budget has been crucial for supporting global health, food security, and humanitarian relief efforts in 130 countries, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
Both Trump and Musk have publicly accused USAID staff of corruption, alleging mismanagement and theft of government funds. However, no substantial evidence has been presented to support these claims.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that the administration was reviewing which programs would be exempted from the stop-work orders, ensuring that only “mission-critical functions” remain operational.
The decision to drastically reduce USAID staffing and funding raises concerns about ongoing crises, including famine prevention, disease control, and conflict resolution.
The USAID website confirmed that by midnight on February 7, nearly all direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave, except for core leadership and personnel managing designated essential programs.
While the State Department has yet to comment, the move has drawn backlash from humanitarian organizations, lawmakers, and international partners who warn that it could destabilize fragile regions and undermine U.S. global influence.
As the administration proceeds with its cuts, the fate of thousands of displaced workers and life-saving programs remains uncertain.