Hundreds of USAID contract workers were barred from entering the agency's Washington headquarters on Monday as a result of a presidential order freezing foreign aid. The order, intended to review spending deemed wasteful or misaligned with the administration's agenda, has caused widespread disruption to U.S.-funded aid programs around the world.
A United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) contract worker, carries a sign outside the USAID headquarters in Washington, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) A wave of uncertainty swept through the ranks of USAID employees on Monday as scores were turned away from their Washington headquarters.
A front desk officer reportedly told a steady stream of agency staffers, dressed in business attire or USAID sweatshirts or T-shirts, that he only had a list of 10 names permitted entry. Amidst the confusion, tarps covered USAID's interior signs, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and disarray. Some staffers reported receiving conflicting agency emails and notices over the weekend, leading to their arrival at the office despite expectations of being turned away. Others simply felt compelled to seek clarification amidst the ongoing turmoil.The situation unfolded as a result of a presidential executive order freezing foreign assistance. This order, intended to review spending deemed wasteful or misaligned with the administration's agenda, forced the shutdown of U.S.-funded aid and development programs worldwide, resulting in staff layoffs. Despite a waiver granted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aid groups have stated that the government has yet to resume payments. One of the most prominent humanitarian organizations, the Norwegian Refugee Council, has declared the U.S. cutoff to be the most devastating in its 79-year history. The organization warned of dire consequences, emphasizing their critical role as the sole provider of clean water to 300,000 people trapped in the besieged city of Djibo, and their support for nearly 500 bakeries in Darfur, Sudan, which provide daily subsidized bread to hundreds of thousands facing hunger.Adding to the complexity, a temporary restraining order issued by a judge prevented a Trump administration order that would have placed thousands of USAID staffers on administrative leave. The order also mandated that those abroad be given 30 days to return to the United States at government expense. While the order restored agency email access for staffers, it did not address the reopening of the USAID headquarters. Although some staffers reported their agency email being restored by Monday, others remained without access. As the situation unfolds, a further hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, leaving USAID employees and the international community in a state of anxious anticipation
International News USAID Foreign Aid Presidential Order Trump Administration Government Shutdown
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
USAID Staffers Locked Out of Headquarters After Musk Calls for Agency ShutdownStaffers of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were instructed to stay out of the agency's Washington headquarters on Monday after billionaire Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump had agreed to shut it down. Musk, leading a civilian review of the federal government with Trump's agreement, stated that USAID is 'beyond repair' and called for its complete elimination. The move follows a weekend where two top USAID security chiefs were placed on leave for refusing to hand over classified information to Musk's government-inspection teams. Democratic lawmakers have condemned the actions, arguing that Trump lacks the authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval and that Musk's access to sensitive government information is concerning.
Read more »
USAID staffers turned away from offices even after court suspends leave orderOfficials and federal officers have turned away scores of U.S. Agency for International staffers who showed up for work at its Washington headquarters.
Read more »
USAID Employee Reveals Staffers' Fear of Data Breach and Musk's 'Horrifying' AttacksA USAID employee speaks out about the fear and uncertainty gripping the agency following actions by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They express concerns about potential data breaches and Musk's vitriolic attacks on the agency. The employee also highlights the staff's feeling of abandonment and the impact of the potential shutdown on their ability to assist Americans abroad.
Read more »
State Department recalling USAID staffers from foreign assignments: SourcesThe moves comes a day after the Trump administration moved to close the agency.
Read more »
Trump Administration Orders USAID Staffers to Return Home, Dismantling Agency's Global PresenceThe Trump administration's order for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) direct-hire staffers to return home within 30 days marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy. This move, following a sweeping foreign aid freeze, is expected to have a profound impact on global humanitarian efforts.
Read more »
Trump Administration Orders USAID Staffers Worldwide to Return HomeThe Trump administration has ordered all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) direct-hire staffers worldwide to return home within 30 days, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign assistance policy. This move follows a foreign aid freeze and will essentially dismantle USAID’s global presence, leaving only staff for 'mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs'. The decision's impact on ongoing projects and humanitarian efforts remains unclear, and its legal standing is likely to be challenged.
Read more »