President Donald Trump’s administration announced a decision to place the majority of USAID personnel on paid administrative leave, with plans to cut about 2,000 positions in the U.S., according to a notice reviewed by Reuters.
The Trump administration has placed nearly all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) direct hire personnel on paid administrative leave, with the exception of those essential for critical functions. A "Reduction-in-Force" will eliminate around 2,000 USAID positions in the U.S., the notice said.
This move comes amid an ongoing effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to scale back USAID operations, which are a key tool for American foreign assistance and soft power abroad.
A federal judge cleared the way on Friday for the administration to place thousands of USAID workers on leave, despite legal challenges from government employee unions.
Two former senior USAID officials estimate that a majority of the agency’s 4,600 personnel, including career U.S. Civil Service and Foreign Service staff, will be affected.
“This administration is shortsighted in cutting into the expertise and unique crisis response capacity of the U.S.,” said former USAID official Marcia Wong. “When disease outbreaks occur or populations are displaced, USAID experts are often the first deployed to help stabilize and provide aid.”
USAID has received less than $100 million in exemptions from Trump’s 90-day foreign aid freeze, which halted funding for essential programs that once totaled roughly $40 billion annually.
The administration approved exemptions totaling $5.3 billion, primarily for security and counter-narcotics programs, with limited humanitarian relief included.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for further comment on these actions.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at develop...
Kazakhstan has evacuated 8,585 citizens from Middle Eastern countries as regional tensions escalate. Authorities a...
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the ...
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective ...
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting ins...
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at developing educational courses and training sessions for young parents.
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the Taliban of holding American citizens to gain political concessions and demanding the immediate release of detained Americans.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Azerbaijan is evacuating nearly 200 people from the Middle East on a special charter flight departing from Oman.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment