Wed Feb 05 04:53:22 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Places Most USAID Staff on Leave Amidst Potential Agency Elimination

**Washington, D.C.** – The Trump administration has ordered nearly all directly-hired staff of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to be placed on administrative leave, effective Friday. The move is part of a broader effort to drastically reduce the size of the government, and comes as President Trump himself confirmed he is considering abolishing the agency altogether.

According to a statement released Tuesday, only personnel deemed essential for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specific programs will remain on duty. Overseas staff have been ordered to return within 30 days, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as family emergencies or safety concerns.

USAID employs over 10,000 people, with approximately two-thirds based abroad. The agency distributes over half of the US’s foreign aid budget, totaling over $72 billion in 2023. Its potential elimination has been fueled by calls from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has publicly denounced USAID as a “criminal organization” and “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists,” claims that lack substantiation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently serving as the acting administrator of USAID. President Trump, when asked about the agency’s future, responded, “I think so,” indicating his support for its potential dismantlement.

Critics argue that dismantling USAID through executive action would be unconstitutional, as the agency’s establishment is mandated by Congress. The legality and ramifications of the administration’s actions are expected to face significant legal challenges. The move has ignited intense debate regarding the future of US foreign aid and the extent of executive power.

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