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.
The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several major European capitals suggesting a renewed openness to dialogue with Moscow, calling the shift ...
Georgia’s ruling party has launched a formal legal challenge against the BBC, accusing the British public broadcaster of spreading false, defamatory...
An AnewZ documentary exposes the informal, illicit, and semi-legal trade networks operating beyond official markets....
Britain’s Royal Navy has successfully conducted the maiden flight of its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and ca...
Protests that erupted across Iran in recent weeks have largely subsided following a sweeping security crackdown that residents and human rights groups...
The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several major European capitals suggesting a renewed openness to dialogue with Moscow, calling the shift a “positive evolution” in Europe’s stance towards Russia.
Georgia’s ruling party has launched a formal legal challenge against the BBC, accusing the British public broadcaster of spreading false, defamatory, and politically charged allegations.
Britain’s Royal Navy has successfully conducted the maiden flight of its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out high-risk maritime missions amid rising tensions in the North Atlantic.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Wednesday that Denmark was unable to change the U.S. position on Greenland after talks with American officials in Washington.
The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several major European capitals suggesting a renewed openness to dialogue with Moscow, calling the shift a “positive evolution” in Europe’s stance towards Russia.
Protests that erupted across Iran in recent weeks have largely subsided following a sweeping security crackdown that residents and human rights groups say killed thousands of people.
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Friday that the country will hold a snap election after political parties failed to form a government following the resignation of the previous administration amid widespread protests.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday after a court found he obstructed authorities from arresting him following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
The United States stands by the “brave people of Iran,” and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment