USAID ordered to shut down by Friday as thousands of relief workers sent packing from more than 100 countries

USAID ordered to shut down by Friday as thousands of relief workers sent packing from more than 100 countries

The United States Agency for International Development has been ordered to shut down by Friday amid Elon Musk’s efforts to dismantle it, calling it a ‘criminal organization.’

The State Department is now working diligently to recall thousands of staff members across the world, two sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. 

The employees were told by Peter Marocco, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, that all USAID staff members and their families should be recalled back to the United States by Friday – though that deadline could be delayed.

USAID employees in many bureaus at the agency’s headquarters in Washington DC also received a memo that they are being placed on administrative leave, according to PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins.

It said they must be available to report to work ‘if directed to do so,’ and must be available by phone and email during normal business hours.

But they are ‘not to enter USAID premises, access USAID systems or attempt to use your position or authority with USAID in any way without my prior permission or prior permission of a supervisor in your chain of command,’ wrote Marocco, the acting deputy administrator for policy and planning and acting deputy administrator for management and resources.

Two employees who were placed on administrative leave said each agency bureau has been directed to leave a ‘skeleton crew’ to help identify programs to be shuttered. 

Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk dismantled the United States Agency for International Development

All overseas missions for the United States Agency for International Development was shut down by the US State Department Tuesday

All overseas missions for the United States Agency for International Development was shut down by the US State Department Tuesday

The move comes as President Donald Trump’s administration is planning to merge USAID – Washington’s primary humanitarian agency that distributes billions of dollars worth of aid abroad – with the State Department.

 He had previously ordered a freeze on most foreign aid on his first day in office, saying he wanted to ensure it aligned with his America First platform.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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