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A directive issued Tuesday night states that as of 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, “all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally,” except for those in critical roles. USAID is preparing travel plans for employees abroad, covering their return costs within 30 days. Contracts that are not considered essential will be terminated.
USAID Shutdown and Staff Reactions
This happens against the backdrop of the move by the Trump administration to dismantle USAID and freeze most of the foreign aid. As a result, Secretary of State Marco Rubio became the acting administrator, leaving the control of the agency to the State Department.
This week saw majority of the employees at USAID on leave. Thousands of contractors also lost their jobs. This week, USAID’s employees received emails not to report to the agency’s Washington headquarters.
You will remain on administrative leave with pay until otherwise notified,” a letter from acting deputy administrator Peter Marocco stated. The letter also forbade employees from entering USAID premises or accessing its systems.
“This is insane,” said one USAID employee. “People are hysterical. My friends are crying. We don’t know what’s going on.” Employees working abroad now face uncertainty about their families and living situations.
Thousands of contractors and civil servants lost access to their emails and USAID systems overnight. Officials say they are struggling to get answers.
Trump Administration’s Stance
He jokingly asked a reporter if the agency was being shut down, and burst out laughing when a reporter asked him that question. “Sounds like it,” he replied. He continued and stated that tech billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Governmental Efficiency, discovered fraud at USAID-but he also didn’t offer any proof of the statement.
President Trump himself describes USAID as a “criminal organization,” and efforts are on to weaken it. Democrats say the administration’s actions open up legal problems, as closing down USAID would have catastrophic implications for global humanitarian assistance.

Role and Future of USAID
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID delivers billions of dollars in aid to fight poverty, treat diseases, and respond to disasters around the world. A freeze on foreign aid and dismantling of USAID would be a significant blow to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
As uncertainty lingers, USAID employees wait for further instructions while the agency’s future remains uncertain.