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USAID puts staff on leave, recalls overseas personnel

By Wycliffe Nyamasege
On 5 February 2025 at 10:23

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will place all direct-hire personnel on administrative leave globally on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST), just days after President Donald Trump implemented a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt. Essential staff expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm.

USAID also announced that it is also preparing a plan to bring home personnel currently posted outside the United States within 30 days, in coordination with the State Department and overseas missions.

The agency will cover the cost of return travel and will terminate Personal Services Contract (PSC), and Independent Services Contract (ISC) deemed non-essential. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals facing personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other significant issues.

"For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming," USAID said.

The move is the latest in a series of actions reflecting the Trump administration’s tough stance on foreign aid.

Since regaining office, President Trump has pursued efforts to curtail U.S. assistance programs, arguing that such initiatives are wasteful and should be significantly reduced or eliminated. Internal discussions about bringing USAID under the direct control of the State Department have sparked fears that the agency could be dismantled altogether.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm at the administration’s handling of USAID, warning that its restructuring would require congressional approval.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a statement stressing that USAID’s independence is protected by law, while Senator Chris Murphy affirmed that “a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.”

Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly attacked USAID following a reported clash between the agency’s security personnel and Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.

On Sunday, Musk labeled USAID a “criminal organization” and called for its dissolution. His post on X (formerly Twitter), stating “Time for it to die,” has raised fears that the administration is committed to dismantling the agency.

USAID’s website also temporarily went offline over the weekend, and a bare-bones page appeared under the State Department’s domain, suggesting possible consolidation efforts. Senator Chris Coons responded by accusing Trump of attempting to “gut the agency altogether.”

As the largest provider of foreign assistance, the U.S. distributed $72 billion to nearly 180 countries last year—more than half through USAID. The agency’s projects in Africa, in particular, are at risk as funding freezes and personnel cuts threaten ongoing programs in health, education, economic development, and governance.

USAID has played a critical role in Rwanda since 1964, supporting initiatives that enhance economic capacity, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental resilience. The loss of U.S. assistance could leave a significant void, potentially opening the door for rival powers such as China to expand their influence in the region.

USAID said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt.

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