The Donald Trump administration has initiated the mass termination of at least 1,600 employees from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The agency announced on its website that as of 11:59 p.m. EST on February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire staff, except for those in critical roles, core leadership, or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave worldwide.
At the same time, USAID is starting a Reduction-in-Force that will impact around 1,600 personnel based in the United States. Those affected will receive notifications on February 23, 2025, along with further details regarding their benefits and rights. Essential personnel who are expected to continue working will be notified by agency leadership by 5 p.m. EST on the same day.
For employees stationed overseas, USAID plans to offer a voluntary Agency-funded return travel program and additional benefits, emphasizing its commitment to their safety. Until their return, these personnel will maintain access to agency systems and diplomatic resources.
In the upcoming week, USAID will provide information on how to collect personal belongings from former workspaces and return government-issued devices. Further guidance will be shared, and all updates will be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to agency systems.
USAID is the leading international development agency, managing billions in U.S. aid projects globally, primarily focused on disaster relief, development, and global health.
Previously, the agency had placed all directly hired staff on administrative leave worldwide. Trump’s plan aims to effectively dismantle USAID and transfer its operations to the State Department as part of his administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce and save taxpayer money.
