- The move is part of the USAID’s response to a 90-day pause on its operations following an executive order signed by President Trump.
- Trump’s administration seeks to know whether it aligns with U.S. foreign policy.
- It’s part of Trump’s ‘America-First Agenda,’ emphasizing withdrawal from international treaties and rebuilding American values and economy.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to send all its direct hire personnel on administrative leave globally. This comes after Donald Trump, U.S. president, signed an executive order in late January, halting its operations for a period of 90 days.
According to the USAID statement on their website, the only employees who will not be affected by the leave are those assigned to mission-critical functions, core leadership, and designated programs.
Additionally, the essential personnel who are expected to continue working may be impacted by the move. They will be informed of their fate on February 6th, at 3:00 pm (EST).
“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST), all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and especially designated programs.”
“Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm (EST).”
USAID is also coordinating with missions and the Department of State to arrange and pay for return travel for the personnel posted outside the United States within the next 30 days. The personnel whose PSC and ISC contracts are deemed nonessential could be terminated in accordance with the applicable laws.
“For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in coordination with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.”
USAID is set to consider matters related to exceptions and return travel extension while separately taking into account circumstances on an individual or family basis, including personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, timing of dependents’ school term, among other factors.
“The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons.”
“Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming,” the Agency reiterated.
The 90-day pause on USAID operations ends in late April 2025. The agency will remain under review and scrutiny as Trump and his administration seek to know whether it aligns with US foreign policy and American interests. This is after he promised an “America-first agenda” leading to foreign aid cuts.
