The Trump administration has announced the withdrawal of almost all USAID workers from international postings, effectively ending the agency’s decades-long mission aimed at combating poverty, providing education, and addressing health crises globally. Employees received notifications via email and online postings, marking a significant downsizing of an agency under scrutiny from political appointees from Trump’s previous term and teams from Elon Musk’s efficiency initiatives. Many overseas employees, now in packing mode amid impending layoffs, have been granted 30 days to return home unless classified as essential.
This drastic move raises alarms over the future of over $30 billion in ongoing projects across approximately 120 countries, including not only humanitarian assistance but also crucial health programmes that have been instrumental in combatting diseases like polio and HIV/AIDS. Supporters of USAID argue its operations are vital in countering global adversaries and maintaining international partnerships. Despite bipartisan concerns and potential legal challenges from the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats, the administration is persisting with the layoffs, significantly hampering US foreign aid efforts. As staff members navigate the emotional toll of sudden relocations, questions remain about the continuity of critical aid and international development initiatives amidst these sweeping changes.