February 24, 2025
1 min read

Mass Firings at USAID Under Trump

Initially, Trump sought to dismantle the agency, but legal barriers were imposed by a federal judge who temporarily blocked such actions..reports Asian Lite News

The Donald Trump administration has announced the dismissal of over 1,600 employees from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), with additional staff placed on paid administrative leave.

This restructuring effort, which is part of a “reduction in force,” was confirmed through a communication sent to USAID employees by the Office of the Administrator.

According to the BBC, the decision to lay off these employees follows a series of legal challenges that President Donald Trump’s administration faced when attempting to eliminate thousands of USAID staff members.

Initially, Trump sought to dismantle the agency, but legal barriers were imposed by a federal judge who temporarily blocked such actions. However, a ruling issued on Friday lifted the pause, allowing the current layoffs to proceed.

In a notice sent to USAID staff, it was confirmed that as of 11:59 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, February 23, all direct-hire personnel, except those responsible for critical mission functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs, would be placed on global administrative leave. The statement specified that employees involved in vital functions would remain unaffected, although the exact number of such employees has not been disclosed.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has led the charge for reforming USAID, aims to scale back the agency’s influence.

USAID, known for advancing US “soft power” through foreign assistance, is seen as a key tool in global diplomacy. Pete Marocco, USAID’s deputy administrator, and a Trump appointee, indicated that around 600 US-based employees would remain in place to manage the logistics of staff and family travel for those working abroad.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Boils Over Rising Assaults

Previous Story

Bangladesh Boils Over Rising Assaults

Next Story

Netanyahu: Israel to Stay in Syria Indefinitely

Latest from -Top News

Modi Begins Saudi Visit

This will be Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the historic city of Jeddah where the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) will also take place…reports Asian Lite News Prime

Farewell to the Pope Begins

The coffin with the deceased Roman Pontiff Francis will be carried from the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter…reports Asian Lite News Pope Francis’ body

Nepal Cabinet Faces Fresh Exit

PM Oli and Bhattarai had big differences over addressing the demands of the agitating teachers since teachers hit the streets….reports Asian Lite News Nepal’s Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai has resigned amid disagreements

VP Vance Explores Pink City

Vance toured the Amer Fort with his family. For security reasons, the Fort has been evacuated in advance, and tourists’ entry has been closed…reports Asian Lite News U.S. Vice President James David

Sitharaman at Stanford: Women Powering New India

As India boosts efforts for women’s safety, health, and independence, FM Sitharaman at Stanford said: India is evolving — and so are its women….reports Asian Lite News As the Indian government rolls
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US Bill demanding ByteDance to divest TikTok introduced

It is the latest effort to impose a ban on

Series of shooting incidents reported in US cities

Early Monday, Santa Rosa police officers responded to the incident