Washington: The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping restructuring of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), placing most of its employees on leave and eliminating 2,000 US-based positions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the restructuring will affect USAID direct hire personnel worldwide, with only those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs remaining active. The agency sent notices to its workers stating that as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, most employees would be placed on administrative leave globally.
Concurrently, the agency announced it is beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force, which will impact approximately 2,000 USAID personnel based in the United States. This move aligns with the administration's broader efforts to reduce government spending and reshape USAID's role in global humanitarian and development initiatives.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment on this development. This decision represents a significant step in the administration's approach to modifying the structure and function of USAID, a long-standing instrument of the US in international aid and development efforts.