The Trump administration has announced a mass layoff of 1,600 U.S.-based employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a broader restructuring effort. Most remaining staff will be placed on paid administrative leave, except for core leadership and essential personnel, the agency confirmed on Sunday.
According to a statement on USAID’s website, as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, all direct-hire personnel—except those performing mission-critical functions—will be placed on administrative leave worldwide.
Workforce Reduction Plan
USAID is implementing a reduction in force (RIF) that will impact 1,600 employees stationed in the U.S. Affected individuals will receive official notifications on Sunday.
Meanwhile, designated essential personnel who are required to continue working will be informed by agency leadership by 5 p.m. EST on Sunday.
For employees stationed overseas, USAID will offer a voluntary agency-funded return travel program and additional benefits.
USAID has been a central focus of government reform efforts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump accused the agency of “tremendous fraud” and “unprecedented levels of corruption,” calling for its closure.
Legal Challenges and Court Decisions
On Feb. 4, USAID issued a notice stating that all direct-hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave beginning Feb. 7, with only a few exceptions.
However, on Feb. 7, Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia temporarily blocked the plan in response to a challenge from U.S. labor unions.
On Feb. 21, the judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the layoffs and administrative leave policy to move forward. The ruling also starts a 30-day countdown for USAID employees stationed abroad to return to the U.S. at government expense.