USAID places staff on administrative leave amid structural overhaul

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that the majority of its staff will be placed on administrative leave later this week as part of an extensive restructuring effort.

In a statement published on the agency’s website, USAID confirmed the move, Caliber.Az reports.

“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., all USAID directly employed personnel will be placed on administrative leave worldwide, except for designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs,” the statement read.

The agency further detailed that, in coordination with the US State Department, a plan would be developed to facilitate the return of personnel stationed abroad. “All non-essential contracts will be terminated, and staff returning from overseas will have their travel and relocation expenses covered within 30 days,” USAID noted, adding that extended return periods would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The decision comes amid sweeping changes to the agency’s operations. Last week, CNN reported that USAID had removed its logos and imagery from offices around the world. On February 2, the agency’s official website became inaccessible, coinciding with reports that the Trump administration planned to strip USAID of its independence and integrate it under the direct authority of the State Department.

Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War, USAID was created to counter Soviet influence through foreign assistance programs. Today, it funds numerous humanitarian initiatives worldwide, including in Ukraine. However, the agency’s future now appears uncertain.

On the day of his inauguration, President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on USAID’s foreign aid programs to conduct an audit assessing their alignment with “American values” and US foreign policy objectives. Among the programs at risk are initiatives supporting Ukrainian schools, hospitals, and economic and energy infrastructure projects.

Adding to the controversy, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has become a vocal critic of USAID. He has reshared numerous social media posts calling for the agency’s defunding, with some labeling it “the most gigantic global terrorist organization in history.” Musk himself weighed in, declaring: “USAID — it's time to die.”

By Tamilla Hasanova