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The Trump administration has placed several senior career officials at USAID on administrative leave following a sweeping freeze on U.S. aid worldwide. The move, part of an effort to enforce “America First” policies and address concerns over aid alignment with the administration’s agenda, could risk billions in life-saving support. The pause, which includes exceptions for emergency humanitarian food assistance, means existing aid may be halted entirely unless justified.
The officials impacted were assigned to various roles, including energy security, water security, children’s education, and digital technology work. Sources indicated that nearly 60 staff members were placed on leave, with one official calling the decision “the Monday afternoon massacre.” This move undermines national security and emboldens adversaries, according to critics who argue it targets public servants serving multiple administrations.
USAID did not immediately respond to a comment, but officials confirmed the placement of employees on administrative leave after receiving a directive from Acting Administrator Jason Gray. The memo stated that the actions “appear to circumvent” President Trump’s orders and threatened disciplinary action for non-compliance.
The administration’s actions have raised concerns about the potential loss of critical assistance programs, including those aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention and global health initiatives. This latest move follows a series of personnel reassignments and firings across agencies as Trump seeks to reshape federal bureaucracies he deems hostile during his presidency.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-puts-leave-nearly-60-usaid-career-staff-after-aid-freeze-2025-01-28