The Trump administration has announced plans to fire approximately 1,600 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees and place most of the agency’s remaining staff on administrative leave. The decision, set to take effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, marks a significant step in the administration’s efforts to restructure and downsize the world’s largest humanitarian aid organization.
The announcement came via an email sent to USAID staff on Sunday, which was later posted on the agency’s website.
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“As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally,” the email stated.
This move follows a federal judge’s decision earlier this week to allow the administration to proceed with the mass firings as part of a broader effort to dismantle and streamline USAID’s operations.
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The Trump administration has framed the restructuring as a necessary step to align USAID’s programs with national interests and eliminate inefficiencies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is serving as USAID’s acting administrator, stated that the goal is to “identify programs that work and continue them and to identify programs that are not aligned with our national interest” and address them accordingly.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups, former USAID officials, and lawmakers, who argue that the cuts will undermine the agency’s ability to deliver critical aid and support to vulnerable populations around the world.
Critics also warn that the move could weaken U.S. influence on the global stage and jeopardize long-standing partnerships with international organizations.
This is a developing story.
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