USAID on the Brink: Mass Administrative Leave Sparks Controversy

In a sweeping move, approximately 10,000 employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) found themselves notified of impending administrative leave, effective from 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7. This decision excludes only essential personnel and follows the abrupt shutdown of USAID's Washington headquarters earlier in the week. The development comes amid a significant restructuring effort led by President Trump and his administration, spearheaded by Elon Musk, to integrate USAID into the State Department.

As part of the reorganization, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the acting director of USAID. The agency, which Congress funds with a $40 billion budget, dedicates resources to various global initiatives, including women's health in conflict zones, clean water access, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security, and anti-corruption efforts. However, the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle USAID rest on accusations of corruption within the agency. President Trump has openly criticized USAID, suggesting its operations may soon come to an end.

The majority of USAID's workforce is stationed overseas, with two-thirds of its employees working across 60 countries. In response to the administrative leave notices, the State Department has devised a plan to facilitate the return of these employees to the United States within 30 days. Considerations for extensions are on the table for those facing personal or family hardships, safety concerns, or mobility issues. Additionally, the State Department will terminate contracts deemed non-essential.

USAID was founded by Congress in 1998 as an independent agency, and the current administration's attempt to dismantle it has sparked a political firestorm. Democrats argue that President Trump lacks constitutional authority to eliminate an independent agency without congressional approval. They contend that this move undermines USAID's mission and global impact.

"Thank you for your service,"

• concludes the State Department notice to USAID employees.