The recent announcement, as revealed in emails reviewed by The Washington Post, arrives just two days after U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols allowed the Trump administration to proceed with plans to significantly reduce project funding and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) workforce. Initially, USAID stated that 2,000 jobs would be cut, but later revised this figure to 1,600.
Judge Nichols, a Trump appointee, denied USAID workers' plea to extend a temporary restraining order against the administration's move. The workers, represented by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, were deemed to be in a standard dispute with their employer over working conditions. Consequently, they must address their grievances to a federal civil service board, as per Nichols' ruling.
While many USAID officials expected this decision, some hoped to be exempt due to their role in managing critical programs. One such official, overseeing food programs in three countries, was placed on leave despite being the sole USAID manager for these exempt initiatives. "I'm shocked," the official expressed to The Post. "My programs will have to stop."
The Trump administration's announcement signals the start of a "Reduction-in-Force" strategy, spearheaded by budget-slashing adviser Elon Musk. USAID, which Musk has likened to being fed "into the wood chipper," is his initial focus. Critics argue that he is attempting to dismantle a congressionally mandated agency without proper authorization.
"They're collapsing the agency with no congressional mandate. This is illegal and unconstitutional, period," remarked another USAID official, speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution.
According to the emails, those impacted were expected to begin receiving specific notifications on Sunday regarding their benefits and rights. Meanwhile, officials not placed on leave, who are expected to continue their duties, will also receive information by Sunday evening.
"Most personnel will continue to have access to USAID systems and should monitor email for further guidance," the emails stated. "Employees on administrative leave, however, are not authorized to conduct Agency business or download or access official USAID files without express permission from Agency leadership."
The administration plans to establish voluntary and government-funded return travel programs for USAID personnel stationed overseas. These workers will maintain access to USAID systems and other diplomatic resources until they return to the United States.
Judge Nichols' ruling marks a triumph for Trump, Musk, and the newly established U.S. DOGE Service, or Department of Government Efficiency, as they face their first significant legal challenge in their efforts to reduce the federal workforce and U.S. foreign spending dramatically. The USAID workers' lawsuit was one of several legal challenges mounted by Trump opponents aiming to slow or halt the administration's sweeping actions.
While employees involved in the lawsuit highlighted the personal and global impacts of the sudden upheaval, Nichols disagreed, concluding that the U.S. had "identified plausible harms that could ensue if its actions concerning USAID are not allowed to proceed."
