The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that all its direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave worldwide, effective immediately. This follows President Donald Trump's order to merge the agency with the State Department.
In a statement on its website, USAID said it is working with the State Department to recall personnel stationed abroad within 30 days. The agency will consider exceptions for staff facing personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons, including dependents' school schedules, medical needs, and pregnancy.
The decision to place staff on leave will exclude personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.
USAID has a workforce of over 10,000, with two-thirds serving overseas in more than 60 country and regional missions.