Major Cuts Expected at USAID Amid Trump Administration's Spending Slash

Tue Mar 18 2025 10:01:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
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 Trump administration's proposed budget cuts may lead to significant layoffs at USAID, provoking legal challenges and concerns over future global aid.



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.

MORE ON THEME

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:34:47 GMT

Constitutional Tensions: Trump Administration Defies Federal Judge's Deportation Order

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:34:47 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:38:49 GMT

**Bukele Rises Amid U.S. Deportations: El Salvador's President Aligns with Trump Administration**

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:38:49 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:35:54 GMT

"Return Voyage: Astronauts Butch and Suni Head Home After Historic Mission"

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:35:54 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:35:50 GMT

Czech Republic Seeks EU Support for Radio Free Europe Amid US Funding Cuts

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:35:50 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:51:56 GMT

U.S. Steps Back from International Probe Into Ukraine Invasion Accountability

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:51:56 GMT
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:22:37 GMT

Deportation Controversy: Trump Administration's Actions Spark Outcry

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:22:37 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 21:14:34 GMT

**U.S. Defies Court Order: Deportations of Venezuelans Continue Amid Controversy**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 21:14:34 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:50:29 GMT

US Ignites Controversy with Mass Deportations of Venezuelans Despite Legal Ruling

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:50:29 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:31:26 GMT

Greenpeace Faces Legal Battle that Could Threaten Its Existence

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:31:26 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:28:37 GMT

Chuck Schumer's Controversial Vote Sparks Discontent Among Democrats

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:28:37 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:51:33 GMT

Druski Denies Allegations in Diddy Lawsuit, Claims Past Fame Nonexistent

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:51:33 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:37:29 GMT

**US Questions UN Aid Agencies on Alleged Anti-American Affiliations**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:37:29 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:33:33 GMT

Sudden Termination of USAID Programs Triggers Document Destruction Controversy

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:33:33 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:46:19 GMT

Elon Musk Exposes Allegations of Fraudulent NGO Funding Under Biden Administration

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:46:19 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:11:21 GMT

Trump Administration’s New Healthcare Rules Target Illegal Immigrant Benefits and Fraud

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:11:21 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:58:12 GMT

US Government Questions UN Aid Groups Over Allegiance and Affiliations

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:58:12 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:49:35 GMT

Musk Announces Target for Inaugural Mars Mission by End of 2024

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:49:35 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:56:01 GMT

# Trump Exploits South African Narrative to Warn Against Antiracism Efforts in the U.S.

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:56:01 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:07:44 GMT

Tensions Rise as US Expels South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:07:44 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 23:52:03 GMT

SpaceX Rocket Launches New Crew Amid Butch and Suni's Extended Stay

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 23:52:03 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.