WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced on Sunday a significant reduction in workforce at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), placing most staffers on leave globally and eliminating a substantial number of U.S.-based jobs. This move marks a major step in President Donald Trump's and cost-cutting ally Elon Musk's broader campaign to reduce the size of the federal government.
The decision follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday, which allowed the administration to proceed with its plan to reduce USAID staffing both domestically and internationally. Nichols dismissed a lawsuit's plea to temporarily halt the government's plan.
According to notices viewed by The Associated Press, effective 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, except those handling mission-critical functions, core leadership, or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave worldwide.
The agency also announced the commencement of a reduction in force, targeting the elimination of 2,000 U.S.-based jobs. However, a later version of the notice on USAID’s website adjusted this figure to 1,600 positions. The administration has not clarified the discrepancy, and neither USAID nor the State Department responded to requests for comment.
Many Washington-based staffers placed on leave are expected to have their positions eliminated shortly. Deputy Administrator Pete Marocco, a Trump appointee, plans to retain about 600 primarily U.S.-based staffers to facilitate travel arrangements for USAID personnel and their families abroad.
This move intensifies efforts to dismantle USAID, including closing its Washington headquarters and ceasing thousands of aid and development programs after a freeze on foreign assistance. A judge later temporarily blocked the funding freeze. Trump and Musk argue that USAID’s activities are wasteful and promote a liberal agenda.
Various lawsuits from government workers’ unions, USAID contractors, and others claim the administration lacks the constitutional authority to dismantle an independent agency or congressionally funded programs without legislative approval.
The administration's actions disrupt decades of U.S. policy, which views aid and development work overseas as a means to bolster national security by stabilizing regions, economies, and building alliances.
Alongside notices of firings and leaves, hundreds of USAID contractors have received anonymous termination letters, complicating their ability to claim unemployment benefits, according to workers.
A separate judicial ruling last week mandated the administration to resume funding to international programs, despite a previous order temporarily halting the funding freeze. Judge Nichols' decision on Friday also initiated a 30-day deadline for USAID staffers and their families abroad wishing to have their travel costs covered by the government.
Although assurances were given that overseas workers could remain in their positions beyond the 30-day leave period, foreign staffers expressed concerns about funding issues and the impact of headquarters staff reductions on their safe return, particularly for those with children, property, or family health concerns.
USAID emphasized its commitment to the safety of its overseas personnel, pledging continuous access to agency systems and support.
