USAID staff placed on administrative leave as Trump moves to recall employees overseas

• The move is part of Trump’s–and his billionaire ally Elon Musk’s–drive to shrink the US government, which has shocked Washington and caused angry protests from Democrats and the human rights community.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced plans to place its staff worldwide on administrative leave.

The leave, which affects staff in the US and overseas, is set to begin shortly before midnight on February 7, 2025.

USAID made the announcement in a statement, explaining that the move is part of a broader effort to recall employees from international postings.

“All USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs,” the statement read.

The decision is linked to the Trump administration’s goal of downsizing the US government, a move that has sparked outrage among Democrats and human rights advocates.

USAID plays a critical role in US foreign policy, providing funding for health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries.

The agency’s work is seen as a key aspect of US soft power, particularly in regions where China is also active.

However, Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of USAID, labeling it “a viper’s nest of radical-left marxists who hate America.”

Musk has also made unsubstantiated claims that USAID engages in “rogue CIA work” and has funded bioweapon research.

The SpaceX and Tesla CEO has vowed to shut down USAID, and claims to have personally discussed the matter with President Trump.

The attack on USAID reflects long-standing concerns among some conservatives that the US wastes money on foreign aid while neglecting domestic needs.

USAID’s mission is to “end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.”

In 2023, the agency’s top recipients of aid included Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan, according to the Congressional Research Service.

USAID’s funding for Ukraine has been significant, with the country receiving over $16 billion in macroeconomic support.

Founded in 1961, USAID’s budget of over $40 billion is a small fraction of the US government’s overall annual spending.

The US is the world’s largest provider of official development assistance, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).