The Trump administration has initiated significant changes within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), affecting thousands of employees and the agency’s operations.

Workforce Reduction and Administrative Leave

As of February 24, 2025, the administration has placed most of USAID’s 4,700 full-time employees on paid administrative leave, with exceptions for mission-critical functions and core leadership. Additionally, at least 1,600 U.S.-based employees have been laid off.

Agency Restructuring

The restructuring aims to realign foreign aid with the “America First” policy, leading to the suspension of most agency operations. This includes halting numerous global aid programs, with exceptions for essential services.

Legal and Operational Challenges

These actions have faced legal challenges, with lawsuits questioning the administration’s authority to eliminate the agency and its programs. The restructuring has disrupted longstanding U.S. efforts linking foreign aid to national security.

Impact on Global Aid Programs

The workforce reduction and operational changes have left aid recipients in more than 130 countries in limbo, raising concerns about the continuity of essential programs.

These developments mark a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy and the future of international development efforts.