USAID puts over 50 employees on leave over suspicion of bypassing Trump’s orders

The Trump administration has placed several dozen senior officials at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave in response to what was described by an official as resistance to the president's policies. 

In an email sent to USAID staff on January 27, acting Administrator Jason Gray stated that Trump officials had "identified several actions within USAID that seem intended to circumvent" an executive order, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

While Gray did not provide further details on the specific actions, he confirmed that as a result, "a number of USAID employees" were placed on leave "with full pay until further notice." One source familiar with the decision reported that around 60 senior officials were affected, including leaders responsible for overseeing global health aid, a major part of USAID's work. USAID did not immediately respond to requests for comment. With a budget of $22.6 billion, USAID is involved in a wide range of global efforts, including disaster relief, refugee assistance, and anti-poverty initiatives.

Supporters of the agency argue that USAID's efforts generate significant international goodwill for the US and promote political stability, which aligns with the nation's security interests—accomplished with just 0.2 per cent of the federal budget. However, many conservatives have long criticised foreign aid programmes, and both President Trump and his allies are determined to reduce federal spending wherever possible. The email from Mr. Gray seems to reflect the administration's resolve to ensure that federal employees adhere to even the most sweeping directives from President Trump—removing those who do not comply. 

In this case, the specific directive is likely an executive order signed by Trump last week, which freezes nearly all US foreign aid administered by USAID and the State Department. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce explained that Trump is initiating a review of all foreign assistance programmes to ensure they are efficient and align with the “America First” agenda. The order does not affect military aid to Israel and Egypt, or emergency food assistance, as noted in a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

The memo outlines a 90-day reassessment period, during which employees are instructed not to allocate new foreign aid funding, accept new funding applications, or approve any grants. Additionally, many contractors involved in infrastructure projects for USAID have also been placed on furlough.

By Naila Huseynova