The Trump administration unveiled a controversial plan on Thursday to significantly reduce staffing for U.S. aid projects worldwide, part of its effort to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The proposal would leave fewer than 300 staff members in place, down from 8,000 direct hires and contractors currently employed at USAID. The remaining staff, along with an undetermined number of 5,000 locally hired international staff, would manage a reduced number of life-saving programs that the administration has indicated it intends to keep running.
This drastic cutback is part of a broader plan to restructure USAID, with many current employees, including senior officials, being informed of the changes Thursday. The administration’s proposal has sparked legal challenges, with federal workers’ associations filing a lawsuit late Thursday. They argue that President Trump lacks the authority to close down an agency that is mandated by Congress, claiming the move is illegal without congressional approval.
The reduction in staff numbers and operations follows a directive earlier this week to almost all USAID staff posted abroad to return to the U.S. within 30 days, with the government covering their travel and moving expenses. Staff members who remain overseas without specific hardship waivers may need to pay for their own costs. The long-term impact of the staffing cuts remains unclear, as the administration has suggested the reduction might be temporary while it reviews which aid and development programs will be reinstated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to the Dominican Republic, affirmed that the U.S. would continue providing foreign aid, but only to programs aligned with U.S. national interests. Meanwhile, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and workers’ unions, argue that the shutdown of USAID is illegal and could have devastating consequences for both American workers and global development efforts. The lawsuit filed by federal workers calls for the restoration of USAID’s functions and staff.
