USAID Employees Depart with Messages for Trump as Mass Layoffs Begin

Staff members from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) marked their final day in the Washington, D.C., headquarters on Friday. Some exited carrying boxes that bore messages seemingly directed at President Donald Trump, whose administration is implementing significant workforce reductions within the agency.

In the weeks leading up to this day, thousands of employees received notifications regarding their impending dismissals. Just hours before the departure, a federal judge authorized the Trump administration to proceed with these mass layoffs as the administration pushes to eradicate perceived inefficiencies within the federal government.

Messages of Discontent and Resilience

Amidst the somber atmosphere, one staff member carried a box that read, “We are abandoning the world.” The statement was made as she left the Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs office, a clear indication of the employees’ frustration with the current direction of aid policy.

In contrast, another employee conveyed a more optimistic sentiment. Her box was inscribed with the message, “You can take the humanitarians out of USAID, but you can’t take the humanity out of the humanitarians.” This statement resonates with the commitment many employees feel towards their mission, even as their positions are reduced.

Support from Former Colleagues

Outside the office, departing staff were met by a group of supporters, including former USAID employees. Signs with statements like “We love USAID” and “Thank you for your service, USAID” created an atmosphere of solidarity during this challenging time. However, some individuals were seen leaving in tears, symbolizing the emotional toll of the situation.

Drastic Cuts Ahead

The Trump administration has announced plans to drastically reduce the agency’s workforce, maintaining fewer than 300 employees from the current pool of 8,000 direct hires and contractors. This reduction raises concerns about the viability of essential programs that USAID operates globally.

Moreover, the agency’s efforts may heavily rely on a contingent of 5,000 internationally-hired local staff members who will continue to run crucial programs. Discussions surrounding the agency’s future are ongoing, with many advocating for USAID’s role in delivering humanitarian assistance.

Reevaluation of Spending Practices

USAID has come under scrutiny, particularly from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by CEO Elon Musk, for what is perceived as wasteful spending. Critics have cited several expenditures that raise eyebrows, such as $20 million allocated for a Sesame Street show in Iraq.

Senator Joni Ernst, who serves as Chairwoman of the Senate DOGE Caucus, recently released a list of USAID-funded projects. This list includes several expenditures that have led to accusations of inefficiency, further fueling questions about the agency’s financial practices.

Legal Challenges and Administrative Actions

The administration’s initiatives faced pushback from government employee unions. A lawsuit aimed to halt the layoffs; however, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols lifted a temporary restraining order and allowed the Trump administration to move forward.

Judge Nichols, appointed by Trump, argued that the unions had not established jurisdiction for the court to intervene at this stage. He indicated that the matter should be handled through established federal employment processes rather than through judicial intervention.

According to the judge, the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that they would suffer irreparable harm without an injunction, nor did they convincingly argue that their claims could succeed on merit. The ruling highlighted that the issue remains administrative in nature.

The Road Ahead for USAID

The affected unions now face a critical decision. They can seek emergency relief from the Washington, D.C., federal appeals court to restore the temporary restraining order or pursue a preliminary injunction against the layoffs. The outcome of this legal battle could shape the future of the agency and its employees.

The Trump administration’s moves represent a pivotal moment for USAID, an agency renowned for its global humanitarian efforts. As layoffs proceed, the international community will be watching closely to see how this impacts the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission.

As the dust settles on this unprecedented reduction, lingering questions about USAID’s future remain. With a slashed workforce, the agency is poised to undergo a significant transformation. Whether it can maintain its legacy of aid and assistance in an uncertain political climate is a concern for many.

Fox News’ Bill Mears, Andrew Mark Miller, Aubrie Spady, Deirdre Heavey, Morgan Phillips and Emma Colton, along with Reuters, contributed to this report.