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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that all its direct-hire personnel worldwide will be placed on administrative leave starting Friday, with American staffers overseas ordered to return home. The move follows sweeping policy changes under President Donald Trump, which have significantly impacted the agency's operations.
A statement on USAID's official website confirmed that as of 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, "all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs." Employees expected to continue working will be informed by Thursday afternoon.
For those posted abroad, USAID is developing a plan, in coordination with missions and the State Department, to facilitate their return to the U.S. within 30 days. The agency will cover travel expenses and terminate contracts deemed non-essential. "The agency will consider exceptions and travel extensions on a case-by-case basis for personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other specific reasons," the statement noted.
The directive comes as the Trump administration moves to restructure USAID, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing he would be acting administrator, signaling a takeover of the agency by the State Department. Many USAID contractors have already been furloughed or laid off, and thousands of civil servants lost access to agency systems earlier this week. Employees received individual notifications stating, "You will remain on administrative leave with pay until otherwise notified," with clear instructions not to access USAID premises or systems without prior approval.
The abrupt decision has left staff in distress, with one USAID official stating, "People are hysterical. My friends are crying. We don't know what's going on." Employees posted abroad are particularly affected, as they must uproot their families with little notice. "No access to any government system; can't see emails. It's like we're criminals," another staffer added.
This development follows Trump's executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days, resulting in widespread layoffs and program shutdowns. USAID, established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, has been a key player in global humanitarian efforts, funding health and emergency programs in over 120 countries. However, Elon Musk, leading the Department of Governmental Efficiency, has been vocal in his criticism of the agency, calling it a "criminal organization" that should "die."
Additionally, the U.S. government has frozen over $13 million in funding for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission in Haiti, catching both the United Nations and Kenyan officials off guard. "We received an official notification from the U.S. requesting an immediate stop-work order on their contribution," said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The potential winding down of USAID could have far-reaching consequences, affecting thousands of employees and cutting off essential aid programs worldwide. The agency's future remains uncertain as the Trump administration continues to implement drastic changes to U.S. foreign aid policy.
