The Trump administration's proposed budget cuts may lead to significant layoffs at USAID, provoking legal challenges and concerns over future global aid.
Major Cuts Expected at USAID Amid Trump Administration's Spending Slash
Major Cuts Expected at USAID Amid Trump Administration's Spending Slash
USAID staff could plummet from 10,000 to under 300 as Trump administration enforces severe budget cuts.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is poised for drastic staff reductions, potentially shrinking its workforce from around 10,000 to less than 300 employees. This move comes as the Trump administration implements sweeping cuts to government spending, raising concerns among thousands of employees expected to be placed on administrative leave starting at midnight on Friday.
Affected staff includes a large number stationed in international locations. A recent notice revealed preparations are underway for return travel and the termination of non-essential contractors. Notably, only 294 employees have been categorized as "essential," according to a union representing the agency's workforce, which is currently embroiled in a legal challenge against the cuts.
Trump's budgetary actions, supported by advisor Elon Musk, have disrupted the global aid framework. Numerous aid programs across various countries are currently frozen, with Trump’s administration griping about wasteful spending on foreign aid that they argue doesn't adhere to "America First" initiatives. Public polling indicates a general skepticism among Americans regarding foreign aid, with a significant portion of Republicans believing the U.S. spends excessively.
Critics of the planned staff reduction, including former USAID chief Brian Atwood, have condemned the cutbacks as "outrageous". He warns that such a drastic approach may jeopardize the agency which has historically played a pivotal role in saving millions of lives. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), in collaboration with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), has filed a lawsuit aimed at halting the alleged dismantling of USAID, contending that these actions violate constitutional and federal laws.
The lawsuit insists on the necessity of appointing an independent acting director for USAID, reopening agency buildings, restoring the USAID website, and reinstating critical grants and contracts. It underscores that the administration’s decision to freeze aid programs has triggered a global humanitarian crisis, adversely affecting both U.S. jobs and national security.
Despite these contentious moves, high-ranking officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, defend the administration's stance, assuring that the U.S. will continue to offer foreign aid, albeit with a restructured focus aligned with national priorities. Rubio stated in Guatemala that while aid distribution would persist, the programs must be rationalized to safeguard their continuation.
