US President Donald Trump: Since assuming the US presidency, Donald Trump has taken several decisions regarding USAID. Meanwhile, he has taken another big decision.
US President Donald Trump: The Donald Trump administration has announced the furlough of all but a few employees of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) worldwide and the abolition of nearly 2,000 positions in the US. He has taken a similar decision earlier as well. According to a BBC report, an email sent by the Administrator’s Office to USAID employees said that about 2,000 employees would also be laid off as part of the workforce reduction.
This step was taken earlier as well
This step comes after US President Donald Trump initially tried to fire thousands of USAID employees. Then he faced legal challenges. A federal court had blocked the Trump administration from abolishing USAID, but ruled on Friday that the ban would not be permanent.
Employees sent on leave
According to the AP, in a notice sent on Sunday (February 23, 2025) night, all USAID personnel, except personnel on important missions and specially designated programs personnel, have been sent on administrative leave.
However, the notice clarifies that those USAID employees who are responsible for mission critical tasks will not be affected by the decision. But it is not yet clear how many employees have been considered important. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire Elon Musk is trying to destroy USAID.
600 American employees will help
According to the AP report, according to USAID Deputy Administrator Pete Marco, 600 American employees will be present there to arrange foreign travel of USAID employees and their families.
