USAID workers, impacted by job cuts under the Trump administration, make emotional final visits to their offices. The agency faces significant reductions as part of broader federal government restructuring efforts led by Elon Musk.
Workers at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), dismissed or placed on leave as part of the Trump administration’s restructuring efforts, began their final visits to the Washington headquarters on Thursday. They were given just 15 minutes to clear their offices, escorted by federal officers.
The emotional atmosphere saw some staff leaving with personal belongings, while supporters outside cheered and offered encouragement. One woman, visibly moved, was embraced by those who had gathered in solidarity.
USAID has been a key target in the administration’s initiative, led by adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, to reduce the size of the federal government. As a result, only a small fraction of the agency's workforce remains, signalling significant cuts to its operations.
Read next
21:25
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
07:36
The Trump administration has significantly increased efforts to cancel the visas and residency permits of international students, with hundreds of student visas revoked in recent weeks, according to an analysis published by Inside Higher Ed.
14:53
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet that helps disguise Iranian oil shipments, the Treasury Department said.
21:25
European Union leaders announced a 4.7 billion euro ($5.10 billion) investment package during a visit to South Africa on Thursday, at a time when both are on worse terms with the United States than they have been for decades.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment