In a move aimed at reducing government spending and reshaping the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Trump administration has terminated 1,600 USAID jobs in the US and placed all personnel, except leaders and critical staff, on paid administrative leave.
According to USAID, all direct hires except essential workers will be put on leave, effective immediately. The Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, has led the effort to restructure USAID, citing concerns over the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness in global initiatives.