The Trump administration has announced the withdrawal of nearly all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers from global operations, effectively ending a 60-year mission focused on U.S. security through humanitarian aid.

This decision, communicated via emails and online postings, follows a trend of dismantling the agency led by political appointees from Trump's first term and Elon Musk's efficiency teams, who view overseas spending as wasteful.

Effective Friday, direct hires and contractors deemed non-essential face termination and must return home within 30 days. The move will severely impact ongoing projects in approximately 120 countries, including critical health programs and security assistance to allies like Ukraine.

Following substantial layoffs and program shutdowns, vital humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, remains stranded in ports due to the agency's abrupt halt in operations.

The early withdrawal of direct-hire personnel will incur substantial government costs. Those impacted include foreign and civil service officers with legal protections against arbitrary dismissal, while locally employed staff have limited recourse.

Democratic lawmakers assert that USAID is an independent agency protected by legislation, requiring congressional approval for closure. Bipartisan support highlights USAID's crucial role in countering adversarial influences and strengthening international partnerships.

USAID Uploads Official Notice

The USAID's official website uploaded a official notice about the issue directing the USAID staff placed on leave till Friday and will be presumed fired after Friday noon.

The notice reads: "On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) 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. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).

For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your service."

Africans In Favour Of Trump-Musk Decision

Many African nationals have supported the decision to pull out USAID officials demonstrated by the Trump administration in co-operation with Elon Musk heading the DOGE team.

The American Foreign Service Association denounced the decision and considered legal action. Staff faced difficult choices, including pulling children from school midyear.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the importance of foreign aid, emphasizing it must align with national interests, while exempting certain staff from leave.