Mass Layoffs at USAID Under Trump Administration: Thousands on Leave

The latest move by the Trump administration to place most USAID employees on administrative leave and lay off approximately 2,000 staff members marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy.

The Trump administration has made a shocking decision to place most USAID employees back on administrative leave, effective from midnight Sunday. In an email obtained by CBS News, the Office of the Administrator informed staff that around 2,000 employees would be let go in a sweeping "reduction in force." This latest move follows a court ruling that lifted a temporary halt on the administration's previous efforts to eliminate thousands of positions within the agency.

Notably, a federal judge ruled last Friday that the administration could indeed proceed with its plans to dismantle parts of America’s foreign aid agency, despite pushback from employees. Only "designated personnel" responsible for essential functions or in leadership roles will remain, but it remains unclear how many will qualify for these exemptions.

In the wake of this announcement, the agency indicated plans to fund voluntary return travel for overseas employees. USAID, which previously employed around 10,000 individuals—two-thirds of whom were stationed internationally—has already seen hundreds of aid programs frozen globally since Trump first announced his intent to cut back on foreign assistance back in January.

Critics of the administration, including former USAID chief Gayle Smith, warn that significant staff reductions send a dangerous message regarding U.S. commitments to humanitarian efforts. The impact of these cuts could be felt across the globe, especially as the U.S. is the leading provider of humanitarian aid worldwide, with initiatives running in over 60 countries.

Moreover, the building that formerly housed USAID is set to be repurposed for agents from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), suggesting a broader re-structuring of government priorities led by prominent figures including Trump advisor Elon Musk, who has been vocal about reducing bureaucratic overhead.

As current tensions rise regarding global health and humanitarian support, the drastic cuts to USAID may not only undermine the agency's effectiveness but could also signal a retreat from U.S. global engagement, posing risks to those reliant on American aid.