The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping downsizing of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), terminating 2,000 employees and placing nearly all remaining staff on administrative leave.
The move follows a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that allowed the administration to proceed with removing thousands of USAID workers from their positions, both domestically and abroad.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols rejected a lawsuit from employees seeking to block the cuts, effectively clearing the way for the administration’s restructuring efforts.
Widespread Layoffs and Workforce Reduction
According to official notices obtained by the Associated Press, USAID has instructed that as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all direct-hire personnel—except for those in mission-critical roles, senior leadership, or specially designated programs—will be placed on administrative leave worldwide.
This move is part of a broader effort led by Trump and his close ally, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, to cut government spending. Their initiative has already resulted in the closure of USAID’s Washington, D.C., headquarters and the shutdown of thousands of foreign aid and development programs.
Trump and Musk, who oversees the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), argue that USAID’s budget is plagued by inefficiencies and supports a liberal policy agenda.
Safety Concerns for Overseas Personnel
Critics warn that the cuts could endanger USAID personnel stationed in high-risk regions, particularly as many report losing access to government communication channels.
However, the administration insists it is committed to ensuring their safety. Notices sent to employees state that those placed on leave will still have access to agency systems, diplomatic resources, and emergency communication tools.
Overseas employees have been given the option to return to the U.S. at government expense or remain on paid leave at their foreign posts while retaining access to critical resources.
Judge Nichols, a Trump appointee, acknowledged concerns about the risks but ruled that the administration’s assurances—such as two-way emergency radios and a mobile “panic button” app—provided sufficient safeguards to justify moving forward with the layoffs.
USAID Contractors Left Without Answers
Beyond direct-hire employees, hundreds of USAID contractors have received anonymous termination notices lacking details about their positions, raising concerns about their ability to qualify for unemployment benefits.
Meanwhile, in a separate lawsuit challenging the administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, another federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze on foreign assistance. The judge also found that the White House continued withholding funds in defiance of his order and instructed the administration to restore aid to global programs.
Musk’s Expanding Government Role Sparks Backlash
Elon Musk’s involvement in reshaping federal agencies through DOGE has triggered widespread controversy, with critics accusing him of pushing through drastic changes without oversight. Since January 20, multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging his aggressive cost-cutting approach, though DOGE has won several key legal battles.
A major lawsuit brought by 14 state attorneys general sought to limit Musk’s access to sensitive government data, arguing that his role violates constitutional provisions requiring top federal officials to be elected or confirmed by the Senate.
However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied the request for an emergency injunction. While she acknowledged concerns about Musk’s unchecked authority, she ruled that there was no immediate legal harm warranting a temporary restraining order.
The Trump administration maintains that department heads, not Musk, are making the final decisions on agency downsizing—despite his strong public backing of the effort.
Federal Worker Buyouts Proceed
In a related development, a Massachusetts judge lifted a temporary hold on Trump’s proposed federal worker buyout program. District Judge George O’Toole ruled that government unions lack the standing to challenge the directive and that employees must pursue grievances through administrative channels.
O’Toole, a Clinton appointee, lifted the restraining order on February 10, allowing the administration’s restructuring plans to proceed.
With USAID now facing a massive workforce reduction and foreign aid programs in upheaval, the long-term consequences of these drastic policy shifts remain uncertain. Yet, the administration shows no sign of reversing course as it presses forward with its ambitious downsizing of government operations.