Wed Feb 05 13:36:42 IST 2025: ## USAID Staff Placed on Leave Amidst Potential Shutdown and Restructuring

**Washington, D.C.** – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced Tuesday that nearly all its 10,000+ employees will be placed on administrative leave, effective Friday. The move follows weeks of speculation and escalating actions surrounding a potential restructuring or even abolishment of the agency under the Trump administration.

The announcement, posted on USAID’s website, exempted only personnel deemed essential, core leadership, and those working on specific programs. Overseas staff will be repatriated within 30 days, with the State Department assisting in travel arrangements. Non-essential contractors will be laid off.

Senator Marco Rubio, recently appointed acting USAID administrator, has stated that the agency may be reorganized, with some functions integrated into the State Department, while others may be eliminated. He cited concerns about overlapping functions and conflicts with U.S. foreign policy. His appointment of Pete Marocco to oversee day-to-day operations has drawn criticism due to past controversies surrounding Marocco’s conduct at USAID.

Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has vowed to block State Department nominees until the situation with USAID is resolved. Reports suggest the agency may be merged with the State Department, resulting in significant workforce reductions.

This action follows earlier events, including reports that USAID employees were told to work remotely, lost computer access, and began clearing out their desks. The agency’s website was briefly offline Saturday. The actions are met with opposition from Democrats and concern from global aid groups who warn of catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

The situation has been further fueled by Elon Musk’s claims that he discussed the shutdown of USAID with President Trump, and that operatives from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accessed classified USAID information. These claims remain unsubstantiated. Concerns have also been raised regarding USAID’s spending on SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, currently under investigation.

The future of USAID remains uncertain, with the Trump administration indicating a desire for greater alignment between the agency’s activities and U.S. foreign policy goals. The administrative leave and potential restructuring represent a significant upheaval for the agency and its global humanitarian efforts.

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