The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Former senior officials and sources familiar with the situation confirmed the agency’s closure will be finalised by September.
A conference call held on Monday between USAID’s human resources office and regional bureaus revealed that more than 10,000 locally hired staff in over 60 countries will be terminated by August. Additionally, hundreds of U.S. diplomats and civil servants assigned to the agency abroad are also receiving layoff notices.
A summary of the call reviewed by Reuters stated: “Every position eliminated; 100 percent of the agency is rif’d (Reduction in Force) or will be.” All overseas operations are to be shut down, and some of USAID’s functions will be absorbed by the State Department.
President Donald Trump, along with Musk—his appointed advisor for streamlining government operations—began the dismantlement in February. The move is part of an effort to align foreign assistance with Trump's “America First” agenda. The State Department has not responded to requests for comment.
So far, over 5,000 aid programmes have been terminated. Hundreds of contractors were fired, and thousands of USAID staff placed on administrative leave. Musk has accused the agency of being a “criminal” operation, while Trump has labelled it as corrupt and ideologically compromised—both claims made without evidence.
The cuts impact major humanitarian efforts in countries like Ukraine, Jordan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aid to the West Bank and Gaza—already stretched by war—has also been disrupted. The Congressional Research Service notes USAID channels most of its funds to health, education, and emergency response initiatives.
Critics warn that sudden termination of local staff could breach labour laws in host countries and destabilise already fragile regions. As of now, 600 U.S. diplomats assigned to USAID overseas are set to be dismissed by July, when the agency plans to close “all programmatic work.”
Once regarded as the world’s largest bilateral aid organisation, USAID is being erased—quietly, rapidly, and without public debate. The consequences may echo well beyond the agency’s final days.
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Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, declaring that the Arctic island “belongs to the Greenlanders.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on UK and EU imports, warning foreign “cheaters” as he promises to restore American jobs and economic dominance.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
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The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, declaring that the Arctic island “belongs to the Greenlanders.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on UK and EU imports, warning foreign “cheaters” as he promises to restore American jobs and economic dominance.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, declaring that the Arctic island “belongs to the Greenlanders.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on UK and EU imports, warning foreign “cheaters” as he promises to restore American jobs and economic dominance.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
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