Trump administration firing 2,000 USAID employees after judge paves way for move – Washington Examiner
The Trump administration announced a significant reduction in staff at the U.S. Agency for International Advancement (USAID), terminating 2,000 positions based in the U.S. while putting the majority of global employees on leave. This decision came shortly after U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ruled against two labor unions’ request to stop these cuts, stating the claimed harm from such actions seemed minimal. Notices were distributed to affected employees, informing them that, effective February 23, 2025, most USAID personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for those in critical roles. This move is part of the administration’s broader strategy to streamline USAID’s operations and integrate them into the State Department, leaving only 294 essential staff from a global workforce exceeding 10,000.
Trump administration firing 2,000 USAID employees after judge paves way for move
The Trump administration said on Sunday that it is cutting 2,000 U.S.-based positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development, while also putting a majority of global employees at the agency on leave.
The move from President Donald Trump was made just days after U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols denied a request from two labor unions to block further cuts at USAID. In his decision, Nichols found the unions’ claims of alleged harm that could be caused by any firings “far more minimal than it initially appeared.”
Notices were sent out to USAID employees who were placed on leave, informing them of the decision while also specifying a few exceptions to the order.
“As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally,” the notices said, according to the Associated Press.
That will affect thousands of global USAID employees, while the cuts for U.S.-based USAID workers are separate and will affect 2,000 employees.
The move from the Trump administration follows through on its goal of placing the majority of USAID employees on administrative leave and keeping only 294 “essential staff” members out of over 10,000 employees worldwide.
Its broader goal is to dismantle the organization and incorporate its functions into the State Department.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...