Trump Administration’s Drastic USAID Cuts Spark Concern

USAID 

Washington, D.C. – The Trump administration is moving forward with a dramatic downsizing of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), planning to retain fewer than 300 employees out of more than 10,000 who work worldwide.

The sweeping restructuring is being led by businessman Elon Musk, a close ally of President Donald Trump. Since Trump took office on January 20, the initiative has rapidly gained momentum.

According to sources familiar with the plan, only 294 employees will remain on staff, with just 12 in the Africa bureau and a mere 8 in the Asia bureau.

A Blow to Humanitarian Efforts

“This is extreme,” said J. Brian Atwood, former USAID administrator who led the agency for over six years. “Laying off thousands of employees in one go will dismantle an agency that has saved millions of lives.”

Atwood, now a senior fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute, expressed deep concerns, stating, “Many people simply won’t survive without these programs.”

The U.S. State Department has not responded to inquiries about the decision, but the impact is already being felt. President Trump and Musk have accused USAID employees of wrongdoing, leading to dozens of suspensions, the termination of hundreds of internal contractors, and uncertainty for critical life-saving programs worldwide.

On Tuesday, the administration announced that USAID employees globally would be placed on leave, with thousands of overseas staff being recalled.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that exceptions might be made for certain programs but admitted that the cuts pose a severe threat to efforts to combat disease, hunger, and poverty worldwide. He added that many of USAID’s partners, responsible for implementing these programs, are now facing financial turmoil due to a "stop-work order" issued by the State Department.

Merging USAID with the State Department?

The administration’s ultimate goal is to merge USAID with the U.S. State Department, a move that would affect thousands of employees and their families. However, congressional approval may be required, as USAID operates under specific legal frameworks that dictate its establishment and budget.

USAID currently employs over 10,000 people globally, with two-thirds working outside the United States. In the fiscal year 2023, the agency managed over $40 billion in aid—its highest recorded budget.

On Thursday, some employees began receiving termination notices, raising fears about the future of global aid efforts.

A Lifeline for the World’s Most Vulnerable

Last year alone, USAID provided aid to over 130 countries, many of which are struggling with conflict and extreme poverty. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, the countries receiving the most assistance included Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Yemen, and Afghanistan.

With these cuts, millions of vulnerable people could lose access to critical support, raising questions about the future of U.S. humanitarian efforts on the global stage.