The US has fired three USAID workers who were sent to Myanmar to assess relief efforts following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, killing at least 3,300 people and injuring another 4,850. The workers received their termination notices via email just days after arriving in the country.
The firings come amid reports of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, a move that has been met with criticism from Democrats and US diplomats. State Secretary Marco Rubio had previously stated that the US would continue to provide humanitarian aid despite these efforts.
USAID employees were warned about potential firings this summer as the agency is being folded into the State Department. The termination of these workers on the ground was seen as “especially cruel” by those familiar with the situation. Despite the US’s announcement of a $20 million joint aid package with other countries, only $2 million in US aid has been pledged.
Democrats have denounced the lack of US aid efforts and are urging the government to rapidly assess what assistance can still be provided to those affected by the earthquake.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-admin-fires-us-aid-workers-assisting-after-earthquake-in-myanmar