Massive Overhaul at USAID: Global Workforce Placed on Leave

Before the end of Friday, all global U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees, will be placed on leave. According to an official memo released by the agency on Tuesday night outlined that only a select group of “designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs” would remain active. This drastic measure affects approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.

Background

The decision to place the global workforce of USAID on administrative leave stems from the financial, and operational strategies under the Trump administration. President Trump, advocating for an “America First” approach, issued an executive order to halt foreign aid, aiming to review and cut USAID’s budget, which he viewed as misaligned with U.S. interests. This was coupled with internal resistance from USAID, leading to mass layoffs of contractors and administrative leave for senior staff.

Marco Rubio, serving as Secretary of State, was appointed by President Donald Trump as the acting director of USAID on February 3, 2025. Rubio, along with special government employee Elon Musk, are pushing for a significant restructuring or potential merger of USAID with the State Department. Rubio’s appointment was aimed at addressing perceived operational inefficiencies and insubordination within USAID, to review and possibly reorganize its foreign assistance programs.

This move has sparked legal and political debates due to USAID’s establishment by Congress, which mandates legislative consent for such structural changes. Rubio’s directives led to immediate actions like placing nearly all of USAID’s global workforce on leave, reflecting a broader strategy to reassess and control USAID’s operations amid the backdrop of Musk’s controversial efficiency measures. Democrats argue that such changes to USAID, established by Congress, require legislative approval, causing disruptions to global aid programs.

Leave and Repatriation Details

Employees categorized as direct hires will be placed on paid leave. Those stationed abroad have been instructed to return to the United States within 30 days, with USAID arranging and covering travel costs. Contractors not deemed essential will be laid off. Exceptions might be made for personal or family hardship, mobility issues, or safety concerns, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Internal and Public Reactions

The American Foreign Service Association, representing career diplomats, has criticized this “unnecessary and drastic action” in an internal email, hinting at exploring legal options to safeguard its members. The memo’s release followed a day after about 1,400 U.S.-based staff were informed of their immediate and indefinite administrative leave, with around 100 senior staff already placed on leave and numerous contractors receiving stop-work orders.

Administrative Chaos and Policy Shifts

Pete Marocco, appointed to oversee daily operations at USAID, confirmed the leave status for the 1,400 employees would persist until further notice. This announcement has caused widespread anxiety as employees scramble to understand how to uproot their lives, particularly those in ongoing projects halted by a recent executive order from President Trump to freeze all foreign aid.

Impact on Families and Operations

The upheaval is particularly challenging for families, with children in school terms and others dealing with pregnancies or medical issues. The agency has suggested that in such cases, families might be allowed extended stays abroad. The logistical challenge of repatriating thousands from potentially volatile regions could necessitate military evacuations, adding to the operation’s complexity and cost.

Political and Operational Turmoil

The situation at USAID’s headquarters has been tumultuous. Following directives from political appointees and Elon Musk, a special government employee, significant changes to the agency’s technology infrastructure were attempted, leading to a security confrontation and the subsequent leave of top security directors. The aim appears to be a significant reduction in the annual $60 to $70 billion foreign aid budget, which constitutes less than 1% of the federal budget.

Congressional and Public Backlash

The Trump administration’s plan to potentially integrate USAID into the State Department, now under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has stirred controversy. Rubio insists the move is about reform, not dissolution, but Democrats argue this action could be illegal without congressional approval, supported by a Congressional Research Service report. However, leading Republicans like Senator Jim Risch from Idaho see this as a necessary step towards restructuring for better national security.

This sweeping overhaul has not only put thousands of jobs in jeopardy but also threatens to disrupt USAID’s global aid initiatives at a critical juncture. The future of USAID remains uncertain as political, legal, and operational challenges loom large over its traditional role in U.S. foreign policy.

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