Massive Shakeup: Trump Appointees Lay Off 2,000 USAID Workers and Suspend Global Staff

Recently, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) informed its employees about significant layoffs. An email from Trump administration appointees announced the firing of 2,000 workers. Additionally, many foreign service officers and other direct hires worldwide will be placed on paid leave starting that night.

The only exceptions to this leave are those working on essential programs and key leadership personnel. This mass layoff is part of a Trump administration effort to freeze almost all U.S. foreign aid.

A recent court ruling allowed these layoffs and paid leave to proceed, which means some employees will have to return to the U.S. from their overseas posts. Many fear they might lose their jobs when they return.

The ruling came from Judge Carl J. Nichols of the Federal District Court in Washington, who was reviewing a lawsuit aimed at blocking these layoffs. Since January, Pete Marocco, a political appointee at the State Department, has been leading the efforts to dismantle USAID, and he’s been working closely with Elon Musk, an advisor to Trump.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio took over as acting administrator of USAID and appointed Marocco as his deputy. In the recent email, the agency mentioned that employees choosing to return from overseas will have their travel costs covered. This is a voluntary option for them.

Just last week, about 400 contractors working on urgent humanitarian assistance were also let go. This has led many employees to believe that Rubio doesn’t truly support these vital programs.

Rubio had previously stated that “lifesaving humanitarian assistance” would continue, but many programs are struggling because the agency’s payment system is not working. As a result, partner organizations are unable to receive funding. Rubio has mentioned that some foreign aid might continue after a 90-day review process, but details about this process are unclear.

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United States Politics and Government,Foreign Aid,Government Employees,Layoffs and Job Reductions,Diplomatic Service, Embassies and Consulates,Appointments and Executive Changes,United States Agency for International Development,State Department,Trump, Donald J,Musk, Elon,Marocco, Pete