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This is one of the biggest steps taken by Donald Trump and Elon Musk in their goal to dismantle the USAID as part of their efforts to cut the size of the federal government.
Elon Musk and his DOGE have been tasked with slashing government spending. (File Photo: AP)
In a big announcement, the Trump administration on Sunday (local time) said it was firing at least 2,000 US-based staffers of the US Agency for International Development and placing thousands of others on leave.
“As of 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally,” read the notices sent to USAID workers.
The notices to the agency further said more personnel will continue to have access to USAID systems and should continue to monitor email for further guidance. Employees on administrative leave are not authorised to conduct agency business or download official USAID files without permission.
“Concurrently, USAID is beginning to implement a reduction-in-force that will affect approximately 2,000 USAID personnel with duty stations in the United States,” it read.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
