The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the elimination of 2,000 positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and placing most of its employees abroad on leave. This measure is part of a broader strategy to reduce the size of the federal government, led by Trump and Elon Musk, allies in reducing government costs.
Pete Marocco, appointed by Trump to head USAID, plans to retain about 600 employees, mostly based in the United States, to organize travel for USAID employees and their families abroad. On the other hand, many of the remaining employees in Washington who will be put on leave will soon see their positions eliminated.
The government’s recent offensive against USAID includes closing its headquarters in Washington and suspending thousands of aid and development programs worldwide. Trump and Musk argue that aid and development work is wasteful and promotes a liberal agenda, while unions and others assert that the government lacks constitutional authority to eliminate an independent agency or programs funded by Congress without legislative approval.
This policy contradicts the position held by the United States for decades, which argues that foreign aid and development are essential to national security by stabilizing regions, strengthening economies, and building alliances.
The layoffs and leave at USAID add to hundreds of contractors who received no-name termination letters last week, which may complicate the ability of those laid off to obtain unemployment benefits. Furthermore, a lawsuit has temporarily blocked the freezing of foreign assistance, requiring the government to temporarily restore funding to programs worldwide.
In an internal statement, USAID informed that starting from a certain date, all staff directly hired by the agency, except for those responsible for crucial functions, central leadership, and specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave worldwide. Additionally, a process will begin to reduce 2,000 positions based in the United States.
