Trump Administration Places USAID Staff on Leave, Eliminates 1,600 US Jobs

Washington, D.C. - February 23, 2025 - The Trump administration announced Sunday it is placing most U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staff on administrative leave globally and eliminating 1,600 U.S.-based positions. This action follows a federal judge's decision to allow the administration to proceed with its plan. The move is part of a broader effort, supported by Elon Musk, to reduce the size of the federal government. USAID stated that direct hire personnel, except those in mission-critical roles, will be placed on leave. The agency also said it would begin a reduction in force, cutting 1,600 jobs in the U.S. The administration has not commented on the discrepancy between the initial notice of 2,000 job cuts and the later figure of 1,600.