The Trump administration has announced plans to withdraw nearly all employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from their global assignments, effectively dismantling the agency’s long-standing mission of addressing global hunger, education, and disease prevention.
USAID employees were informed via email and an online notice, marking another step in the administration’s effort to scale back foreign aid. The move, influenced by returning Trump-era political appointees and budget-cutting teams led by billionaire Elon Musk, reflects a view that much of USAID’s spending is wasteful.
The directive, set to take effect just before midnight on Friday, gives overseas direct hires 30 days to return home unless deemed essential. Contractors not classified as essential will also be dismissed. The withdrawal had been rumored for days and was considered among several restructuring proposals, including consolidating USAID into the State Department or shutting down smaller missions.
Thousands of USAID employees had already been laid off following Trump’s broad freeze on foreign aid. Despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers, the administration’s budget-cutting agenda has resulted in halted aid projects, workforce reductions, and the closure of USAID’s Washington headquarters. Reports indicate that agency computer servers were removed, and Musk commented on social media platform X, saying, “Spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper.”
The mass withdrawal threatens billions of dollars in aid projects across 120 countries, including security assistance for Ukraine and development programs for clean water, education, and job training. Essential health initiatives, such as HIV/AIDS prevention and epidemic response programs, have already been suspended. Additionally, shipments of food and medicine are now stranded at ports due to the abrupt shutdown.
Critics argue that USAID, established as an independent agency by law, cannot be dismantled without congressional approval. Supporters from both parties emphasize that USAID’s work is crucial for maintaining U.S. influence abroad and countering rivals like China and Russia. The American Foreign Service Association, representing U.S. diplomats, has condemned the decision and is preparing legal action.
Meanwhile, locally employed USAID staff—who lack legal protections against dismissal—face uncertain futures. Many agency employees have been forced to make difficult personal decisions, including pulling their children out of school and rehoming pets, amid fears of a rushed departure.
Senator Marco Rubio, speaking at a press conference, reaffirmed his support for foreign aid but emphasized that it must serve U.S. national interests. An internal notice states that exemptions will be granted for personnel in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and select programs,” with notifications expected by Thursday.
The directive ends with a brief acknowledgment: “Thank you for your service.”