USAID global personnel put on leave
USAID employees are currently on administrative leave following US President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle the agency's operations. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Approximately 10,000 employees are set to be indefinitely furloughed, and two-thirds of them have been given a 30-day period to return to the US.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on Tuesday that it will place nearly all of its employees on administrative leave. According to a notice on the USAID website, this change affects all directly hired employees, except for “essential personnel.”
Founded in 1961, USAID serves as Washington's principal agency for funding political projects overseas, managing billions in 'foreign aid and development programs' aimed at advancing American interests under the guise of humanitarian development. However, under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the agency's operations have been reevaluated as part of a broader reassessment of US foreign policy.
Shortly after taking office last month, Trump issued a broad executive order halting all foreign aid for 90 days, which led to significant confusion, layoffs, and the suspension of various programs.
The notice specified that "On Friday, February 7, 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."
Employees slated to continue their work will reportedly be informed individually later in the week.
The notice allows affected employees 30 days to return to the US, with around two-thirds of USAID’s 10,000 employees currently working in one of the 60 countries where the agency operates.
The State Department will finance the return of employees to the US and will take into account exceptions and extensions for personal reasons or safety concerns. The notice concluded with a simple message to staff: “Thank you for your service.”
This development follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement on Monday that he is taking on the role of acting administrator of the agency. During a visit to El Salvador, Rubio vowed to conduct a program-by-program review to ensure that USAID's projects align “with the national interest and the foreign policy of the US.”
USAID’s main office in Washington, DC, was shut down on Monday, with instructions given to staff to avoid the premises.
Trump previously criticized the agency’s leadership, calling them “radical lunatics,” and suggested significant reforms to the organization. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he indicated plans to decide on USAID's future following a thorough evaluation.
Additionally, USAID is facing scrutiny from the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk has vocally criticized the agency, labeling it a “criminal organization.” During a live session on X Spaces on Monday, he asserted that Trump “agreed” USAID should be disbanded.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lauded Musk's efforts against the aid agency, tweeting: “Smart move by @elonmusk, trying to plug USAID’s Deep Throat.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on Tuesday that it will place nearly all of its employees on administrative leave. According to a notice on the USAID website, this change affects all directly hired employees, except for “essential personnel.”
Founded in 1961, USAID serves as Washington's principal agency for funding political projects overseas, managing billions in 'foreign aid and development programs' aimed at advancing American interests under the guise of humanitarian development. However, under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the agency's operations have been reevaluated as part of a broader reassessment of US foreign policy.
Shortly after taking office last month, Trump issued a broad executive order halting all foreign aid for 90 days, which led to significant confusion, layoffs, and the suspension of various programs.
The notice specified that "On Friday, February 7, 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."
Employees slated to continue their work will reportedly be informed individually later in the week.
The notice allows affected employees 30 days to return to the US, with around two-thirds of USAID’s 10,000 employees currently working in one of the 60 countries where the agency operates.
The State Department will finance the return of employees to the US and will take into account exceptions and extensions for personal reasons or safety concerns. The notice concluded with a simple message to staff: “Thank you for your service.”
This development follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement on Monday that he is taking on the role of acting administrator of the agency. During a visit to El Salvador, Rubio vowed to conduct a program-by-program review to ensure that USAID's projects align “with the national interest and the foreign policy of the US.”
USAID’s main office in Washington, DC, was shut down on Monday, with instructions given to staff to avoid the premises.
Trump previously criticized the agency’s leadership, calling them “radical lunatics,” and suggested significant reforms to the organization. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he indicated plans to decide on USAID's future following a thorough evaluation.
Additionally, USAID is facing scrutiny from the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, which is led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk has vocally criticized the agency, labeling it a “criminal organization.” During a live session on X Spaces on Monday, he asserted that Trump “agreed” USAID should be disbanded.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lauded Musk's efforts against the aid agency, tweeting: “Smart move by @elonmusk, trying to plug USAID’s Deep Throat.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
