Mass Layoffs at USAID as Trump Administration Cuts 1,600 Positions

The Trump administration is executing a significant reduction in personnel at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision, announced in the late hours of Sunday, will eliminate over 1,600 positions while placing most of the remaining employees on administrative leave worldwide.

According to reports from the Associated Press, the administration communicated this decision through notices sent to USAID staff. The notices revealed that as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, almost all direct hire personnel would be placed on leave, with exceptions made only for essential leadership roles and critical program functions.

Drastic Reduction in Workforce

Such a move reduces the active USAID workforce to fewer than 300 employees, a stark drop from the approximately 8,000 contractors and direct hires currently on staff. The administration’s plan leaves a fraction of the workforce to oversee a limited number of life-saving programs that will remain operational during this transition.

Final Farewells in Washington

As the announcement unfolded, affected USAID employees departed their Washington, D.C., offices for the last time on Friday. Many left with personal belongings in boxes, some adorned with messages aimed at President Trump. One particular box caught attention, containing a message that stated, “We are abandoning the world,” a poignant reflection of employees’ discontent toward the agency’s upheaval.

A Mixed Mood Among Departing Staff

Conversely, some messages conveyed a more light-hearted tone. In one instance, a departing staffer was seen carrying a box with the note, “You can take the humanitarians out of USAID but you can’t take the humanity out of the humanitarians,” showcasing the resilience and spirit of the workforce.

Legal Battles and Implications

Reports indicate that thousands of staff received notifications of their dismissals weeks prior. A recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols removed a temporary restraining order that had previously stalled the mass layoffs. Following the decision, he declined to enact a longer-term order that would have provided continued job protection for affected employees.

This reduction comes as Trump has enacted stringent measures within the agency, including a temporary suspension of foreign aid disbursements. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the acting director of USAID amidst these changes.

Accusations of Wasteful Spending

The agency has faced growing scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Critics accuse USAID of mismanaging funds and engaging in wasteful spending practices. For example, Senator Joni Ernst, Republican from Iowa and chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, recently highlighted several projects that have raised eyebrows, including a $20 million initiative to produce a Sesame Street show in Iraq.

Questionable Allocations and Overhead

Another troubling example of spending involves over $900,000 allocated to the Bayader Association for Environment and Development, alleged to be a charity associated with terrorism. Furthermore, a $1.5 million program aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbian workplaces has also come under fire, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such expenditures.

Once a Global Leader in Humanitarian Aid

USAID has long been a cornerstone of American foreign diplomacy, facilitating humanitarian efforts and international development. The agency’s workforce has historically embodied a spirit of assistance and support for communities worldwide, tying the United States to global initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and health interventions.

However, this recent wave of layoffs signals a shift in priorities under the Trump administration, which has emphasized a different approach to international aid. This approach has not only raised concerns among advocacy groups but has also drawn criticism from within the agency itself.

Reflections on the Future of USAID

The challenge moving forward will be navigating the changing landscape of international aid while maintaining a commitment to efficiency and effective use of resources. As the agency faces a steep decline in workforce and resources, the implications for global humanitarian efforts remain uncertain.

The broader impacts of these layoffs may resonate well beyond the immediate workforce at USAID. With fewer personnel and reduced operational capacity, the administration’s vision for international engagement could hinder long-term development projects and disaster response capabilities.

As the political climate continues to shift, observers and stakeholders will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the evolving role of USAID and its effectiveness under the leadership of a diminished staff. The legacy of the agency’s humanitarian mission hangs in the balance.

Reporting contributed by Michael Dorgan and The Associated Press.