The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing a drastic downsizing as the Trump administration places nearly all of its direct-hire employees on administrative leave, aiming to reduce its global workforce to a fraction of its former size.
The Trump administration is enacting a sweeping shakeup of the U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID ), placing all direct-hire employees worldwide on administrative leave starting Friday, February 7th. This move, affecting roughly 14,000 personnel, is expected to reduce the agency's global workforce to fewer than 300, primarily consisting of core leadership and 'mission-critical' staff.
The email, titled 'The Path Forward,' stated that direct-hire personnel would be placed on leave at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, with the exception of those designated for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs. The agency aims to recall all USAID employees, including family members, to the U.S. by Saturday. However, it acknowledges potential hardships and offers case-by-case exceptions for return travel extensions based on personal or family concerns, medical needs, pregnancy, or other extenuating circumstances. The notice to employees states, 'The Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.' For employees stationed outside the U.S., USAID will arrange and cover the cost of their return travel within 30 days.This abrupt shift, described by a source as an 'insane deadline,' has left many USAID employees abroad scrambling for answers. The lack of clear communication and the short timeframe have created significant distress, especially for families with complex logistical arrangements. A federal worker shared with ABC News that the sudden recall would force families to uproot with mere days' notice, disrupting spouses' careers, children's education, and even pet relocation plans. 'To uproot them and call them back to Washington like criminals while dealing with families and logistics is cruel,' a former USAID employee lamented. The sudden nature of the recall has raised concerns about the well-being of employees and the potential disruption to vital development programs
USAID Trump Administration Federal Employees Layoffs International Development Government Reorganization
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