The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the workforce of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), initiating the termination of approximately 1,600 U.S.-based employees.
This move is part of a broader effort to downsize federal agencies and reduce government expenditures.
In addition to the layoffs, the majority of the remaining USAID staff will be placed on paid administrative leave, with exceptions made for essential personnel responsible for mission-critical functions and core leadership roles.
These changes are set to take effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
This decision follows a federal judge’s ruling on Friday, which authorized the administration to proceed with the workforce reduction despite legal challenges from unions and advocacy groups.
Critics argue that this action undermines the United States’ capacity to deliver foreign aid and respond to international crises, potentially diminishing the country’s global influence.
The administration, however, defends the move as a necessary step toward streamlining government operations and eliminating inefficiencies within federal agencies.
Source: NairaMetrics
