Fri Feb 28 01:00:31 UTC 2025: ## Thousands of USAID Workers Laid Off, Agency Dismantled in Trump-Ordered Overhaul
**Washington, D.C. -** In a dramatic culmination of President Trump’s “America First” policy, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been effectively dismantled, leaving thousands of employees jobless and jeopardizing global humanitarian aid efforts. On Thursday, laid-off USAID workers were allowed a brief window to retrieve personal belongings from the agency’s headquarters, a day after the Trump administration announced the termination of over 90% of its aid contracts – totaling $54 billion.
The move follows a 90-day freeze on foreign aid initiated in January, ostensibly to review all projects for alignment with the administration’s priorities. This review, expedited after a court order to release frozen funds, resulted in the elimination of nearly 5,800 out of 6,200 multi-year awards. While the administration claims critical aid programs, including food and HIV/AIDS treatment, remain, multiple sources report the cancellation of major HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa and significant funding cuts to organizations combating malaria and maternal/newborn health. The contract with UNAIDS, the UN agency tackling HIV and AIDS, was also terminated.
The drastic cuts, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk, have thrown USAID into chaos. Thousands of staff were placed on leave, with the majority unlikely to be reinstated, while contractors were terminated. Former employees, many with decades of service, were seen leaving the headquarters with boxes of personal effects, greeted by emotional supporters. One employee’s young daughter held a sign reading, “I’m proud of you Daddy,” highlighting the profound impact on families. One former employee described the day as “emotional and sad,” expressing uncertainty about her future.
The swift and extensive nature of the cuts has raised concerns about the potential for widespread suffering in countries reliant on US aid. While the administration insists essential aid continues, the scale of the terminations casts doubt on the long-term impact on global health and humanitarian initiatives. The Supreme Court ultimately paused a lower court’s order that would have forced the administration to release some frozen funds.
First Piper 