Trump administration to remove or suspend 1600 USAID workers

President John F. Kennedy established USAID in 1961, and it now allocates almost half of the $72 billion U.S. foreign aid budget in 2023, making it the largest humanitarian aid giver globally.

This move follows President Donald Trump’s earlier attempt to fire thousands of USAID employees, a decision that encountered significant legal hurdles. Initially, a federal judge blocked the administration from abolishing the agency. However, on Friday, the judge ruled that the pause would not last indefinitely, paving the way for further action. Moreover, this ruling raises concerns about the potential long-term impact on USAID’s operations and its global humanitarian efforts. . USAID’s website said in its notice, “For overseas personnel, USAID intends a voluntary agency-funded return travel program and other benefits.”

Possible reasons of removing USAID workers

By reducing staff, the administration may have sought to streamline government processes and minimize spending.The United States may have been revising its worldwide strategy, concentrating more on private-sector partnerships, or changing its approach to international aid, which might have required a reduction in staff or a different set of capabilities.

Some might interpret this as the administration attempting to reform USAID by replacing career staff with individuals who align with its political or policy objectives.The administration can contend that reorganizing USAID will increase its effectiveness and prepare it to provide aid in accordance with new policies or goals. ne

Elon musk sees USAID as “criminal organization”

Billionaire Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been pushing to significantly reduce USAID’s influence, viewing it as a key tool of U.S. “soft power” to gain influence abroad and manage American foreign assistance.

Musk has declared that USAID should “die” after reports emerged that two top security officials at the agency were placed on leave for refusing his representatives access to classified materials.

Along with other Trump allies, Musk has labeled USAID a “criminal organization” and a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.”news updates

He has accused the agency of riddling itself with waste, fraud, and pursuing a liberal ideological agenda that he believes exceeds its intended mission.

However, former USAID officials and humanitarian workers have strongly criticized the move. They argue that dismantling the agency could not only severely impact millions of vulnerable people worldwide but also significantly weaken the United States’ soft power. Moreover, they warn that such a decision could undermine crucial humanitarian efforts and reduce America’s influence on the global stage.

History of USAID

President John F. Kennedy founded USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in 1961 with the dual goals of advancing global development and providing humanitarian assistance.
At the time, the United States recognized an urgent need to address poverty, promote economic growth, and support newly independent nations across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Consequently, USAID was established in response to these rising global demands.
In its early years, USAID primarily focused on offering financial and technical assistance to countries recovering from World War II. Moreover, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, its initiatives centered on poverty reduction, agricultural development, and infrastructure improvement.

Over the decades, USAID’s priorities have continuously evolved to align with global challenges. For instance, in addition to health programs such as combating HIV/AIDS, the agency has also expanded its efforts to advance democracy and, furthermore, tackle climate change.
Notably, the United States is the world’s largest humanitarian aid contributor, with USAID actively operating in over 100 countries. In fact, nearly half of its $72 billion budget for 2023 was dedicated to international aid initiatives, solidifying its commitment to global development.

Despite its vast contributions, USAID has faced criticism, with some arguing that it uses aid as a strategic tool to promote American political interests. Nevertheless, the agency remains a crucial element of U.S. foreign policy and continues to positively impact millions of lives worldwide.