Trump's USAID cuts could displace 1,400 workers, piling up $20 million bill

The Trump administration's swift decision to reduce the US Agency for International Development (USAID) could cost taxpayers at least $20 million, as thousands of employees are brought back from overseas.

Around 1,400 US direct hire employees and their families, many of whom have been posted overseas for years, now face an uncertain future as they are placed on administrative leave, with little clarity on the logistics of their return, Caliber.Az reports per US media.

This sudden move has raised concerns not only about the significant financial burden but also about the personal and professional disruption it will cause. The relocation process is set to be a massive undertaking, with estimates suggesting it could cost millions of dollars, as the government must arrange travel for employees and their families within 30 days.

Many of these employees are deeply integrated into local communities, with children enrolled in schools and spouses working locally, making their sudden uprooting especially complex. The financial burden is compounded by the lack of communication from the government, leaving employees unsure about their job status, reimbursement for expenses, or even how to safely return to the US.

The decision to withdraw personnel from sensitive locations is further complicated by the loss of access to critical systems, including security alerts, which help diplomats stay informed about potential threats. With many posted in dangerous regions, concerns about safety have been voiced, as employees no longer have access to the vital information needed to protect themselves.

Beyond the financial cost, this move could have long-term diplomatic and policy implications. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that while some USAID programs will continue, many others will be shut down, potentially undermining the US's foreign policy objectives.

The overall impact of the administration’s decision, including the operational costs and disruption to ongoing projects, remains to be fully understood.

Notably, the Trump administration has ordered a near-total withdrawal of US Agency for International Development (USAID) personnel worldwide, effectively dismantling a six-decade mission that supports global security through humanitarian aid.

This decision, driven by returning Trump-era appointees and Elon Musk’s government-efficiency teams, halts key programs combating starvation, disease, and education gaps. The move, taking effect on February 7, will force thousands of employees to return home and terminate contractors, jeopardizing billions in aid projects across 120 countries, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev