The Trump administration has launched a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting 2,000 employees and placing nearly all remaining staff on administrative leave.
The move follows a federal judge’s decision on Friday to allow the administration to proceed with pulling thousands of domestic and international USAID employees off the job.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols rejected a lawsuit from employees that sought to block the cuts, effectively greenlighting the administration’s restructuring efforts.
Mass Layoffs and Administrative Leave
According to official notices obtained by the Associated Press, USAID has ordered that as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all direct-hire personnel—except those in mission-critical roles or core leadership positions—will be placed on administrative leave globally.
The reduction is part of a broader campaign by Trump and his close ally, entrepreneur Elon Musk, to drastically cut federal spending. Their efforts have already led to the closure of USAID’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and the shutdown of thousands of aid and development programs worldwide.
Trump and Musk, who leads the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), argue that foreign aid is riddled with waste and serves a liberal agenda.
Concerns for Overseas Personnel
One of the most pressing concerns raised by critics is the impact of these cuts on USAID workers stationed in high-risk areas abroad. Employees have reported being cut off from official government communications, raising fears about their safety.
However, the administration insists it remains committed to protecting its overseas personnel. According to the notices, employees placed on leave will retain access to agency systems, diplomatic channels, and emergency resources.
Those working abroad will be given the option to return to the U.S. at government expense or remain on paid leave at their foreign posts with continued access to critical support.
Judge Nichols, a Trump appointee, acknowledged concerns about security risks but ruled that the administration’s assurances—such as continued access to two-way emergency radios and a mobile “panic button” app—were sufficient to justify moving forward with the cuts.
Contractors Left in Limbo
In addition to the mass layoffs, hundreds of USAID contractors have reportedly received impersonal termination notices without specific names or positions, making it difficult for them to seek unemployment benefits.
Meanwhile, in a separate lawsuit related to the agency’s dismantling, a different federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s freeze on foreign aid. The judge also found that the White House had continued withholding funds in violation of his court order and ordered an immediate restoration of assistance to global programs.
Musk’s Government Overhaul Sparks Controversy
Musk’s role in reshaping the federal government through DOGE has ignited significant controversy, with critics accusing him of bulldozing agencies without proper oversight. Several lawsuits have been filed since January 20 challenging his cost-cutting measures, though DOGE has prevailed in some key rulings.
One major case, brought by 14 state attorneys general, sought to limit Musk’s access to sensitive government data. The plaintiffs argued that his power over federal agencies was unconstitutional, as he was neither elected nor confirmed by the Senate.
However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied their request for an emergency injunction, stating that while concerns about Musk’s unchecked authority are valid, there was no immediate legal harm justifying a restraining order.
The Trump administration maintains that agency heads, not Musk himself, are responsible for implementing layoffs and policy changes, despite his vocal support for the effort.
Federal Worker Buyouts Move Forward
Separately, a Massachusetts judge lifted a temporary freeze on Trump’s proposed federal worker buyout program. District Judge George O’Toole ruled that government unions lack standing to challenge the directive and that affected employees must pursue claims through administrative channels.
O’Toole, a Clinton appointee, lifted the restraining order on February 10, further clearing the way for the administration’s sweeping cost-cutting measures.
With USAID now facing a near-total workforce reduction and foreign aid programs in turmoil, the full consequences of these drastic changes remain uncertain. However, the administration shows no signs of reversing course as it presses ahead with its aggressive downsizing of government operations.