USAID Announces Global Administrative Leave for Employees
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that, effective Friday at midnight, nearly all of its direct-hire personnel worldwide will be placed on administrative leave. Exceptions will be made for those involved in mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.
This decision follows a series of significant actions by the Trump administration aimed at restructuring USAID. Recently, USAID’s Washington offices were abruptly closed, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted new funding authorizations. These moves are part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, to integrate USAID with the State Department and reduce government expenditures.
The restructuring has led to the suspension of numerous aid projects, affecting efforts to combat health crises and provide humanitarian assistance globally. Critics argue that these changes undermine USAID’s mission and could have severe repercussions for international aid and development programs.
USAID has informed its international staff to coordinate with the State Department for travel back to the U.S. within 30 days, with exceptions considered for personal hardship or safety concerns.