USAID Employees Ordered to Return to U.S. as Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Agency
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing a major shake-up as employees around the world have been ordered to return to the United States and placed on administrative leave. This directive, issued Tuesday night, marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency and freeze foreign aid programs.
Mass Administrative Leave and Forced Return to the U.S.
According to an official statement posted on the USAID website, which recently came back online after a brief outage, all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave starting Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The statement clarifies that only a small group of mission-critical personnel, core leadership, and those working on specially designated programs will be allowed to remain in their positions.
Additionally, USAID is preparing a plan for employees posted outside the U.S., under which the agency will arrange and pay for their return travel within 30 days. Many contract employees, who make up a large portion of USAID’s workforce, have already been furloughed or laid off.
Employees expected to continue working will be notified by Thursday afternoon.
The statement ends with a simple message: “Thank you for your service.”
Trump Administration’s Move to Dismantle USAID
This mass recall comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to weaken and potentially abolish USAID. In recent weeks, the State Department has effectively taken control of the agency, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing he would be serving as acting administrator.
However, a report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) states that it is illegal for the president to unilaterally abolish, move, or consolidate USAID without congressional approval.
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Despite legal challenges, senior USAID officials have been placed on leave, thousands of contractors have been laid off, and employees have been instructed not to report to the agency’s Washington headquarters.
On Tuesday, multiple USAID staffers received individual emails informing them of their placement on leave. The message, sent by acting deputy administrator Peter Marocco, stated:
“You will remain on administrative leave with pay until otherwise notified. During this period, you are not to enter USAID premises, access USAID systems, or attempt to use your position or authority with USAID in any way without prior permission.”
When asked about USAID’s fate, President Donald Trump laughed and responded:
“Sounds like it.”
He went on to claim that Elon Musk, the tech billionaire leading the Department of Governmental Efficiency, had uncovered fraud within USAID, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.
Widespread Chaos and Employee Panic
The abrupt decision to place employees on leave and shut down access to government systems has left USAID staff in disarray.
One USAID official, speaking to CNN, described the situation:
“People are hysterical. My friends are crying. We don’t know what’s going on.”
Many employees working abroad now face the challenge of relocating families, pulling children from school, and disrupting their spouses’ jobs.
One staff member expressed frustration over the restrictions:
“No access to any government system; can’t see emails. It’s like we’re criminals.”
On Monday night, thousands of contractors and civil servants lost access to their email and USAID systems overnight, leaving employees unable to get answers about their employment status.
Additionally, USAID headquarters and annex offices in Washington, D.C., Leesburg, and Springfield, Virginia, will remain closed for the rest of the week. Staff were instructed to telework unless designated as essential personnel.
Foreign Aid Programs in Jeopardy
USAID, which was founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, is responsible for distributing billions of dollars in humanitarian aid worldwide. The agency helps combat poverty, treat diseases, and respond to famines and natural disasters.
However, Elon Musk, a vocal critic of USAID, has falsely claimed it is a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists” and a “criminal organization that should die.”
The Trump administration’s drastic actions have sparked legal and political opposition, as Democrats raise concerns over the impact on global humanitarian efforts.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has reaffirmed that the president lacks the legal authority to dismantle USAID without congressional approval.
“Because Congress established USAID as an independent establishment (defined in 5 U.S.C. 104), the President does not have the authority to abolish it. Congressional authorization would be required to abolish, move, or consolidate USAID.”
What’s Next?
With foreign aid frozen for 90 days under Trump’s executive order, the fate of USAID employees, humanitarian programs, and global aid efforts remains uncertain.
Many employees are left wondering: Is this the beginning of the end for USAID?
