Trump Plans Massive USAID Job Cuts, Leaving Just 300 Staffers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has unveiled a plan to drastically cut the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workforce, reducing its 8,000-strong staff to fewer than 300 employees. The move is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency and shift select foreign aid programs under the State Department. In response, federal workers’ unions have filed a lawsuit to halt the shutdown, arguing that Congress must approve the agency’s closure.
USAID Job Cuts: Key Takeaways
- Drastic Workforce Reduction: USAID’s workforce to shrink from 8,000+ employees to fewer than 300.
- Federal Lawsuit Filed: Workers’ unions argue Trump lacks authority to shut down the agency without Congress.
- Foreign Aid Freeze: Most USAID programs have been shut down since Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
- Musk’s Involvement: Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is leading the budget-cutting effort.
- Uncertain Future: It’s unclear if the staff reductions are temporary or permanent pending a review.
- Congressional Backlash: Democrats claim the move is illegal without congressional approval.
Trump Plans Massive USAID Job Cuts, Leaving Just 300 Staffers
Deep Look: Trump Administration Slashes USAID Jobs, Faces Legal Challenge
The Trump administration announced a sweeping plan Thursday to drastically cut staffing at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), reducing the workforce to fewer than 300 employees out of 8,000+ direct hires and contractors.
The move comes as Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) push to restructure or eliminate USAID, shifting control of select aid programs to the State Department.
The plan was revealed to senior USAID officials during a closed-door meeting, according to three sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to a Trump administration gag order on staff discussing agency changes.
Legal Battle Over USAID Shutdown
In response to the drastic cuts, federal workers’ unions filed a lawsuit late Thursday, arguing that Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally dismantle USAID—an agency created by Congress.
The lawsuit, filed by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, demands that the federal court:
- Reverse the shutdown of USAID operations.
- Reinstate furloughed workers and allow them to return to their posts.
- Restore funding to foreign aid programs that have been frozen.
The legal complaint warns that Trump’s actions will have catastrophic consequences for American workers, global humanitarian efforts, and U.S. foreign policy interests.
Sweeping Workforce Reduction and Aid Freeze
The USAID cuts are the most aggressive in Trump’s broader effort to shrink the size of the federal government.
- Most overseas USAID employees have been ordered to return to the U.S. within 30 days.
- USAID’s headquarters and operations remain shuttered, with nearly all staff placed on administrative leave or furloughed.
- The scope of the cuts suggests a permanent restructuring, though officials claim it could be temporary pending a review.
Musk’s Role in the USAID Overhaul
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been leading the push to cut costs across federal agencies, with USAID being its primary target.
Since Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, the administration has imposed a sweeping freeze on USAID funding, shutting down most foreign aid programs worldwide. Musk and Trump have openly discussed their desire to eliminate USAID as an independent agency, consolidating any remaining programs under the State Department.
Rubio: U.S. Aid Will Continue—But With a Shift in Focus
During a visit to the Dominican Republic, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s moves, saying:
“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.”
The administration has not clarified which programs will continue, leaving thousands of aid workers and international partners in limbo.
Congressional Backlash & What’s Next
Democratic lawmakers have blasted Trump’s attempt to dismantle USAID, calling it illegal without congressional approval.
Many see the restructuring as part of Trump and Musk’s larger effort to gut federal programs they consider wasteful.
The legal battle over USAID’s future is just beginning, but with funding already frozen and offices shut down, the agency’s fate hangs in the balance.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.