Trump Administration Halts USAID Operations, Slashes Workforce by 97%
The freeze on U.S. foreign aid programs impacts 120 countries as the agency undergoes a 90-day review ordered by President Trump and overseen by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has placed nearly all of its 10,000 employees on administrative leave, reducing its active workforce to approximately 290 people.
- President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have criticized USAID, alleging corruption and mismanagement, with Musk calling for its dissolution.
- The freeze affects $42.8 billion in foreign aid programs across 120 countries, with 800 projects and partnerships canceled or suspended.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken direct control of USAID, citing insubordination and conflicts with U.S. national strategy as reasons for the overhaul.
- Two USAID employee unions have filed lawsuits, arguing the agency's dismantling violates constitutional separation of powers and bypasses congressional approval.
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