In a sweeping move impacting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Trump administration has placed dozens of staff members on administrative leave, further signalling a significant restructuring of the agency. As USAID finds itself under increased control from the State Department, the implications of these changes resonate across global humanitarian efforts.
Staff Departures and Agency Control
According to sources familiar with the matter, nearly 30 career staff members from USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs bureau were abruptly cut off from their email access, adding to a growing wave of administrative leave that now involves close to 100 senior USAID officials. Notably, two senior security officials were put on leave for refusing to hand over classified documents to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Elon Musk’s Influence and Changes Ahead
- Trump has put Musk, a key supporter, in charge of a federal cost-cutting panel, giving him significant oversight.
- Musk has publicly labelled USAID a “criminal organization” and has made unsubstantiated claims about its operations.
- Peter Marocco, a former official from Trump’s first administration, is now leading the restructuring efforts.
As these transformations unfold, the budget of USAID — exceeding US$40 billion — represents a minor fraction of the U.S. government’s overall spending. Critics argue that reductions in aid could diminish America’s soft power, especially in regions like Asia and Africa.
The Fallout of Reduced Foreign Aid
The freeze on nearly all U.S. foreign aid, introduced by President Trump as part of his “America First” policy, has raised alarms globally. Programs that support critical health services, landmine clearance, and humanitarian aid in refugee camps are now at risk. Lawmakers like Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have endorsed this shift, arguing for more centralized control over foreign aid.
Broader Implications
These developments are part of a larger narrative reflecting a fundamental shift in how the United States approaches its international presence and aid distribution. Critics from both National and international communities are concerned about the potential consequences of this shift on millions of people relying on USAID’s support for health, security, and basic human rights.
If just over a month ago these changes were merely contemplated, recent actions have swiftly altered the landscape of U.S. foreign aid, and the impact will likely be felt globally.