The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will place thousands of employees on leave starting Friday night, according to the agency’s announcement. Only “mission-critical” staff, core leadership, and those in designated programs will remain on duty.
This move is part of President Trump’s ongoing push to cut government funding, following his return to office last month. The furlough affects USAID’s 10,000 global staff, two-thirds of whom are based overseas.
USAID’s mission includes providing humanitarian aid in over 100 countries, such as supporting soldiers injured in Ukraine and combating disease outbreaks in Africa. Critics warn that closing the agency could severely impact these global efforts, with many Democrats in Washington arguing the move undermines U.S. foreign policy.
The decision comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named acting head of USAID, consolidating power within the administration. Elon Musk, tasked with identifying government spending cuts, has called for the agency’s closure.
Founded in 1961, USAID manages billions in aid annually, with over $40 billion allocated in fiscal year 2023. The furloughs are a significant blow to its work in disaster relief, global health, and peacebuilding.
