Thousands of USAID workers fired or put on leave as Trump administration dismantles foreign aid

The Trump administration has unleashed a stunning purge at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), firing 2,000 employees and forcing thousands more worldwide onto paid leave. The move, announced in a blunt Sunday afternoon email, is the latest step in a sweeping effort to freeze nearly all U.S. foreign aid.

Only a select few employees working on “mission-critical programs” and “core leadership” will be spared, according to the internal email obtained by The New York Times. The mass firings come just days after a federal judge ruled that the administration could proceed with plans to gut the agency, recalling overseas employees and shutting down key operations.

The driving force behind this dismantling is Pete Marocco, a former State Department official from Trump’s first administration, now overseeing USAID’s demise. He is backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has used his platform to spread conspiracy theories about the agency. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who took over as USAID’s acting administrator earlier this month, appointed Marocco as his deputy.

Employees were stunned by the abrupt decision. Those stationed overseas were told they could return “voluntarily,” with travel expenses covered by the agency. However, many suspect that repatriation will be followed by termination.

The purge follows another devastating blow just last week, when 400 contractors working on urgent humanitarian assistance were suddenly dismissed. This has reinforced growing fears that Rubio has little intention of supporting USAID’s core humanitarian mission, despite his recent claims that “lifesaving humanitarian assistance” would continue.

In reality, USAID’s payment system has already collapsed. Partner organisations have been unable to access funds, effectively freezing aid distribution. Rubio has promised a vague “90-day review process” before resuming some foreign aid, but no concrete details have been shared.

As Trump officials strip USAID of its workforce and resources, global humanitarian efforts face an uncertain future. Aid workers warn that millions who depend on U.S. assistance could be left stranded, with no clear plan to fill the void.

The dismantling of USAID has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising urgent questions about America’s role in global aid. For thousands of fired employees and the countless lives their work has supported, the impact of these cuts will be felt far beyond Washington.