The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping restructuring of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), placing most of its employees on leave and eliminating 2,000 US-based positions.’As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, except designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally,’ the Agency said in the notices sent to USAID workers.’Concurrently’, the notice added, the agency is ‘beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force’ affecting about 2,000 US Aid personnel in the US.The White House did not immediately respond to request for comment.This move marks a significant step in the US administrations efforts to reduce government spending and reshape USAID, which has long been a key instrument in global humanitarian and development work.
