USAID Staff Reacts with Outrage as Trump Administration Shuts Down $40 Billion Agency

USAID Staff Reacts with Outrage as Trump Administration Shuts Down $40 Billion Agency

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was thrown into turmoil this week after significant cuts were imposed by the Trump administration in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial agency led by billionaire Elon Musk. Staffers and contractors expressed both shock and anger over the abrupt shutdown.

Impact of the Shutdown on USAID Operations

Reports indicate that around 80% of USAID employees found themselves locked out of essential systems on Monday. These systems facilitate vital functions such as travel, communication, and access to classified information. This loss of access has raised urgent concerns among officials about their ability to repatriate American citizens from high-risk regions globally.

One anonymous USAID employee remarked that staff members feel “abandoned” by both Congress and the federal government. The individual expressed frustration, stating that they were left feeling “high and dry” after what they described as a “hostile takeover” by DOGE.

“The richest man in the world is taking away support from some of the poorest people around the globe,” the source lamented, referring to Musk’s influence over the decision.

Understanding USAID’s Role

Founded in the early 1960s, USAID has played a crucial role representing the United States in delivering foreign aid. The agency focuses on alleviating poverty and fostering development in struggling regions worldwide. Critics of the Trump administration argue that the decisions against USAID threaten both humanitarian efforts and U.S. national security interests.

Some of DOGE’s criticisms have been directed at specific programs, including a $1.5 million initiative designed to promote diversity and inclusion in Serbian workplaces, as well as a $70,000 program for a DEI musical in Ireland. Critics argue that these initiatives are crucial for fostering global cooperation and goodwill.

The Defense of USAID’s Mission

Democratic lawmakers contend that USAID serves as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, vital for promoting stability and countering adversarial influences, particularly during periods of heightened global tension.