Major Cuts Loom for USAID as Staff Face Administrative Leave

The Trump administration's proposed cuts to USAID could reduce its workforce from 10,000 to under 300, placing thousands on administrative leave. The plan faces legal challenges from employees who argue it violates federal law and jeopardizes global humanitarian efforts.

America’s foreign aid agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is poised for dramatic reductions in personnel, with potential staff cuts reducing its workforce from approximately 10,000 to less than 300 globally. This development comes amidst sweeping budget austerity measures advocated by the Trump administration and heavily supported by his advisor Elon Musk.

Effective midnight Friday, most USAID employees, including many working internationally, will be placed on administrative leave. An official notice reveals preparations are underway for the return of personnel and the termination of contracts deemed non-essential. With only 294 staff members classified as essential by the American Foreign Service Association union, the sweeping organizational change threatens to disrupt humanitarian aid across several countries.

Critics of the cuts argue that the changes not only jeopardize America's position in international humanitarian efforts but also send a message that the United States is stepping back from its commitment to aid those in need. Former USAID administrator Gayle Smith voiced concern on BBC's Newsday program, emphasizing the importance of the agency in responding to crises swiftly. "When you pull all of that out, you send some very dangerous messages,” Smith remarked, highlighting the potential consequences of the cuts.

Polling data from March 2023 suggests a significant faction of the American public harbors skepticism toward foreign aid, with 90% of Republicans feeling the U.S. is overspending. Nonetheless, the proposed slashing of funds for USAID—including potential merging with the state department—has provoked considerable backlash, including from members of Congress. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi described the move as “horrible news for global public health,” advocating for a more measured approach to reforming the agency.

In response to the announced layoffs, labor organizations have initiated legal action against the administration, targeting not only President Trump but also other key administrations, arguing the dismantling of USAID is unconstitutional and without Congressional authorization. They call for court intervention to restore agency operations and ensure that vital aid programs are reinstated, claiming the cuts have already aggravated a global humanitarian crisis and threatened American jobs.

The implications of the impending cuts extend beyond the United States, affecting programs globally. For instance, Nelson Otwoma, leader of an NGO fighting HIV in Kenya partially funded by USAID, reported massive layoffs and significant disruptions in service, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of losing access to essential medication.

Despite assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that U.S. foreign aid would persist—"The United States is not walking away from foreign aid"—the controversy surrounding these proposed cuts continues to unfold as officials advocate that future aid must align with U.S. priorities and justifications. As the situation develops, the global humanitarian community watches closely, anxious about the potential fallout from these unprecedented reductions in aid.