Trump Administration Cuts 2,000 USAID Positions, Places Overseas Staff on Leave

The Trump administration has eliminated 2,000 positions at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and placed nearly all overseas staff on administrative leave following a ruling from US District Judge Carl Nichols. The decision allows the administration to proceed with removing thousands of USAID employees both in the U.S. and abroad. All USAID direct-hire personnel, except those responsible for mission-critical functions and key leadership roles, will be placed on leave. Notices sent to USAID staff confirmed the global scope of the directive. The agency will also cut approximately 2,000 US-based jobs, significantly reducing its workforce. Critics argue the cuts have stalled necessary medical evacuations for staffers, left some contractors without emergency communications, and failed to provide adequate support for employees stranded in countries like Congo amid political violence. According to officials, the plan will leave fewer than 300 employees working within the agency, down from the current 8,000 direct hires and contractors. The administration gave nearly all overseas staff 30 days to return to the U.S., with travel and moving costs covered by the government.