Thousands of USAID Employees Forced on Leave, Legal Battle Begins/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thousands of USAID employees were placed on forced leave Friday as part of the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the foreign aid agency. The move slashes the workforce from over 8,000 employees to fewer than 300, sparking a legal challenge from federal workers’ unions. Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aim to eliminate USAID as an independent agency, shifting select aid programs to the State Department.
USAID Forced Leaves: Key Takeaways
- Mass Furloughs Begin: Thousands of USAID employees placed on leave worldwide under Trump’s foreign aid overhaul.
- Drastic Workforce Cuts: USAID’s staff shrinks from 8,000+ employees to fewer than 300.
- Workers Ordered to Return: Overseas staff given 30 days to return to the U.S., with some facing out-of-pocket costs.
- Lawsuit Filed: Federal worker unions argue Trump lacks the authority to dismantle the agency without Congressional approval.
- Musk’s Role: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, is pushing for massive government downsizing.
- Congressional Backlash: Democrats call the move illegal and warn of severe global consequences.
Thousands of USAID Employees Forced on Leave, Legal Battle Begins
Deep Look: USAID Faces Forced Leaves & Legal Battle Over Trump Cuts
The Trump administration began placing thousands of USAID employees on forced leave Friday, marking a major step toward the dismantling of the United States’ foreign aid agency.
The move, which slashes USAID’s workforce to fewer than 300 employees, has ignited a legal battle as federal worker unions challenge the cuts in court.
Thousands of USAID Employees Sent Home
Under the administration’s plan, most USAID staff have 30 days to return to the U.S., with the government covering travel and moving costs. However, those who stay beyond the deadline without a hardship waiver may be forced to pay out of pocket.
The mass furloughs follow a Trump-imposed funding freeze, which has already shut down most USAID programs worldwide since his Jan. 20 inauguration.
Legal Challenge: Can Trump Legally Dismantle USAID?
The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees have filed a lawsuit to block Trump’s moves, arguing that:
- USAID was created by Congress and cannot be unilaterally dismantled by the executive branch.
- The administration failed to consider the global consequences of shutting down U.S. aid programs.
- Thousands of American workers are losing jobs without due process.
The lawsuit demands that a federal court in Washington force the administration to reopen USAID offices, reinstate employees, and restore funding.
What Happens to U.S. Foreign Aid?
With USAID gutted, questions remain about how American foreign aid will continue.
During a trip to the Dominican Republic, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to reassure the public, stating:
“The U.S. will continue providing foreign aid—but it is going to be foreign aid that makes sense and is aligned with our national interest.”
While Rubio’s statement suggests some programs will survive, it remains unclear which ones will continue and under what structure.
Trump & Musk’s Plan to Overhaul USAID
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been at the forefront of the restructuring effort, with Trump and Musk openly discussing plans to:
- Eliminate USAID as an independent agency.
- Transfer select aid programs to the State Department.
- Slash spending on international development while focusing aid on strategic U.S. interests.
Congressional & Global Backlash
The cuts have also drawn international criticism, with aid organizations warning of devastating consequences for developing nations reliant on U.S. assistance.
What’s Next?
With USAID operations effectively frozen, the fate of thousands of aid workers and critical foreign aid programs hangs in the balance.
- The federal lawsuit could determine whether the agency survives or is dismantled.
- The Trump administration’s next move will be closely watched, as further government downsizing efforts may follow.
- If USAID is fully absorbed into the State Department, it would mark the biggest shake-up in U.S. foreign aid policy in decades.
For now, thousands of USAID workers are in limbo, waiting to see if the legal battle will restore their jobs—or if the agency is permanently dismantled.
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