On February 27, 2025, laid-off employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cleared out their desks in Washington, D.C., following terminations linked to recent policy shifts. This event, amid ongoing political tensions, including criticisms of USAID funding allocations, highlights significant workforce changes, with affected employees vowing to fight back.

Reported as a routine administrative adjustment, the mass layoffs may signal deeper political agendas or budget cuts, with advocates warning of impacts on global aid programs, though official narratives remain vague.

Background

• USAID’s Role: USAID has been active for 60 years, working to prevent the spread of disease and reduce poverty in over 120 countries. The agency has been a critical player in global health and development, supporting programs that save millions of lives annually.
• Trump and Musk’s Agenda: The Trump administration, with the support of Elon Musk, aims to reduce the size of the federal government and cut costs. They have criticized USAID’s programs as wasteful and out of line with their foreign policy goals.
• Future of USAID: The future of USAID remains uncertain. While the administration has moved swiftly to dismantle the agency, legal challenges and public pressure may influence the outcome. The agency’s building in Washington, D.C., is set to be occupied by Customs and Border Patrol, further signaling the administration’s intent to repurpose the space.

Key Developments

• USAID Employees Given 15 Minutes to Clear Out: USAID employees were notified via text message and a notice on the agency’s website that they would be given 15 minutes to collect their personal items. Security measures were stringent, with employees being screened and escorted to their workstations.
• Mass Layoffs and Administrative Leave: As of midnight on Sunday, February 23, 2025, nearly all of USAID’s 4,700 full-time employees were placed on paid administrative leave, and 1,600 positions will be terminated. This move follows a federal judge’s ruling that the administration could proceed with its plans.
• Legal Challenges: The administration’s actions have faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily halted the initial plan to gut USAID, but the pause was not made permanent. Another judge has ordered the administration to restore funding to programs worldwide, as the administration had been withholding aid despite a court order.
• Impact on Global Aid: The cutbacks to USAID have already disrupted the global aid system. Hundreds of programs have been frozen in countries around the world, and the agency’s work has been criticized as wasteful and liberal by the Trump administration and Elon Musk, who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
• Congressional and Public Reaction: There has been significant pushback from congressional Democrats and aid organizations. Rep. Gerald Connolly called the actions “unwarranted and unprecedented,” and aid groups have raised alarms about the potential loss of life due to the cuts.