Nearly all employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) will be placed on leave by the end of Friday, February 7, 2025. An official memo released online states that only a limited number of personnel involved in critical functions will remain active.
- U.S.A.I.D. workforce to be put on leave
- Only essential personnel exempt from leave
- Contractors laid off if non-essential
- Agency's notice criticized by diplomats' association
- Concerns over potential dismantling of U.S.A.I.D.
- Legal avenues being explored for protection
The announcement comes amid concerns regarding the future structure of U.S.A.I.D., with indications that the Trump administration may seek to merge it with the State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio’s leadership. The agency employs approximately 10,000 individuals globally and has been largely inactive since Saturday.
According to the memo, direct-hire employees will receive paid leave and those stationed abroad must return to the U.S. within 30 days, with travel costs covered by the agency. Contractors not classified as essential face potential layoffs.
- Only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions will remain employed.
- Exceptions for continued employment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- The American Foreign Service Association criticized this action and is exploring legal options to protect its members.
This development has raised alarms among lawmakers who argue that dismantling U.S.A.I.D. could violate congressional mandates established during its creation. Democratic representatives emphasize that any such restructuring should involve legislative approval due to its foundational ties to Congress.
The planned leave for nearly all U.S.A.I.D. workers highlights significant shifts within American foreign aid policy and governance structures as discussions about agency restructuring continue amidst political controversy.
