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USAID Employees to Be Placed on Leave Beginning Friday Amid Policy Shift

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USAID Shake-Up: Thousands of Employees Placed on Leave Amid Government Cuts

Thousands of USAID employees will be placed on leave starting Friday night, according to an official statement on the agency’s website.

All direct-hire personnel, except those in mission-critical roles, leadership positions, and specially designated programs, will be affected by the move. Employees will be notified of their status by Thursday at 15:00 EDT (20:00 GMT).

This decision follows President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to cut government-funded programs since his return to office last month. Critics warn that sidelining USAID could severely impact global humanitarian aid, including efforts to combat diseases, assist war victims, and provide emergency relief.

USAID, which operates in over 100 countries and employs 10,000 people—two-thirds of whom work overseas—will coordinate with the State Department to facilitate the return of affected employees stationed abroad.

The restructuring effort has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Democrats, who argue that weakening USAID undermines U.S. foreign policy and national security. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed leadership of the agency, consolidating it within the State Department.

Elon Musk, recently appointed to lead a government cost-cutting initiative, has advocated for shutting down USAID, calling it “beyond repair.”

The full implications of the decision remain unclear, but lawmakers and aid organizations warn of dire consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide.

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