Trump administration fires 2,000 USAID workers, puts thousands on leave
What's the story
The Donald Trump administration has announced the termination of 2,000 positions at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The decision comes after a federal court ruling allowed the administration to go ahead with its plan to remove thousands of USAID employees from their roles, both domestically and internationally.
US District Judge Carl Nichols lifted a temporary restraining order, allowing the Trump administration to put most remaining USAID employees on administrative leave.
Staff restructuring
Remaining USAID employees placed on administrative leave
Official notices said that as of 11:59pm EST on Sunday, all direct hire personnel—except those in mission-critical functions or core leadership roles—would be placed on administrative leave worldwide.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by President Donald Trump and his main cost-cutting advisor, Elon Musk, to reduce the operations of USAID. This campaign has already resulted in the closure of its headquarters in Washington, DC, and the termination of thousands of aid and development programs around the world.
Job terminations
USAID contractors receive anonymous termination letters
Along with the job cuts and administrative leave orders, hundreds of USAID contractors were also sent anonymous form letters of termination over the weekend.
The absence of specific names or job details in the letters could further complicate efforts for affected workers to claim unemployment benefits.
As USAID continues to restructure, a separate federal lawsuit challenging the freeze on foreign assistance has seen a different judge issue a temporary order blocking the withholding of funds.
Backlash
Criticism and legal challenges mount against USAID overhaul
The Trump administration's move has been criticized by international aid organizations and lawmakers. They caution that pulling funding and personnel could have catastrophic consequences on global humanitarian efforts.
Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, said she was disappointed in Judge Nichols's decision and remains confident that courts will find the administration's efforts contrary to law.
Restructuring plans
State Department may absorb parts of USAID
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed the role of acting director of USAID.
He told Congress that portions of USAID may be absorbed by the State Department while shutting down other portions.
Judge Nichols issued the order a day after another judge mandated the administration to restart payments on frozen contracts and grants, as it had previously failed to comply with an earlier directive.