The Trump administration has initiated mass layoffs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), firing at least 1,600 domestic employees and placing most global staff on administrative leave. This drastic federal workforce reduction follows a federal court ruling allowing the White House to proceed with its controversial restructuring plan.
On February 23, 2025, USAID issued notices stating all personnel except mission-critical staff would be furloughed. Deputy administrator Pete Marocco confirmed plans to retain only 600 U.S.-based employees temporarily.
The administration remains committed to streamlining government operations,read official communications reviewed by The Associated Press.
Key developments include:
- 1,600+ U.S. positions eliminated through reduction-in-force protocols
- Global administrative leave for non-essential personnel
- 30-day deadline for overseas staff to return home with government-funded travel
Legal challenges continue mounting as judges issue conflicting rulings. While U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols permitted workforce reductions, another court ordered restoration of foreign aid funds frozen since January. Critics argue these actions undermine decades of bipartisan foreign policy and jeopardize global stability efforts.
Affected staff face logistical nightmares, particularly those abroad managing school enrollments and home sales. Contractors report receiving anonymous termination letters that may complicate unemployment claims. The administration maintains these cuts align with President Trump and advisor Elon Musk's vision to reduce government waste, though specific justifications for numerical discrepancies remain unexplained.