The Trump administration is set to drastically reduce the workforce of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting its global staff from over 10,000 to fewer than 300, according to U.S. media reports.
The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the plan, reported that the administration will implement the layoffs starting this weekend. National Public Radio (NPR) also reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had reviewed a list of 600 essential employees but ultimately approved exemptions for fewer than 300.
President Donald Trump had already frozen USAID funding in January pending an internal review, affecting numerous global humanitarian and development programs. The agency, one of the world’s largest aid organizations, manages billions in assistance to developing and crisis-affected countries.
Trump has repeatedly criticized USAID, calling it an institution run by “radical lunatics” undermining his America First foreign policy.
According to a statement on USAID’s website, from Friday night, nearly all “direct-hire personnel” worldwide will be placed on administrative leave, except for those in critical roles. Affected employees will be notified a day in advance.
USAID currently employs around 10,000 staff, with two-thirds based outside the U.S. Last year, it oversaw approximately $50 billion in development aid. Reports indicate that the remaining workforce will focus primarily on health and humanitarian aid operations.
