The Trump administration has placed most employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave starting from midnight on Sunday, local time. In addition to the approximately 4,200 employees sent on leave, at least 1,600 workers have been dismissed as part of an "employee reduction effort."
Earlier, President Donald Trump’s decision to lay off thousands of USAID employees faced legal obstacles.
A U.S. federal judge had temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to shut down the foreign aid agency. However, on Friday, the judge ruled that the suspension would not be permanent. USAID, established in 1961, employed around 10,000 people.
An email sent from the administrator’s office to USAID employees on Sunday stated that exemptions would be granted to those in critical roles or leadership positions. While the exact number of retained employees remains unclear, USAID had previously classified 611 employees as essential.
The email further mentioned that USAID intends to provide funding for foreign employees who wish to return voluntarily.
It is still uncertain whether the employees placed on leave will ultimately be reinstated or if their positions will be permanently eliminated.
Earlier, President Donald Trump’s decision to lay off thousands of USAID employees faced legal obstacles.
A U.S. federal judge had temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to shut down the foreign aid agency. However, on Friday, the judge ruled that the suspension would not be permanent. USAID, established in 1961, employed around 10,000 people.
An email sent from the administrator’s office to USAID employees on Sunday stated that exemptions would be granted to those in critical roles or leadership positions. While the exact number of retained employees remains unclear, USAID had previously classified 611 employees as essential.
The email further mentioned that USAID intends to provide funding for foreign employees who wish to return voluntarily.
It is still uncertain whether the employees placed on leave will ultimately be reinstated or if their positions will be permanently eliminated.