In a surprising turn of events, USAID employees in Washington, D.C. were left devastated after being given just 15 minutes to collect their belongings following unexpected layoffs. Many workers were shocked to receive an email late on a Sunday informing them of their placement on administrative leave, only to later be granted brief windows of time to retrieve their personal items from the office. A total of 4,080 USAID employees worldwide were placed on leave, with an additional 1,600 facing a “reduction in force,” according to a State Department spokesperson speaking to the Associated Press.
On a particularly emotional day as employees gathered their belongings, they were met with cheers and support from friends, family, and well-wishers outside the building. The rushed process left many feeling disrespected, including Melissa, a former employee who had worked on democracy programs in Ukraine and anti-corruption efforts. She expressed her frustration at the lack of consideration given to workers who are dedicated to making positive global impacts, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals balancing work with family responsibilities.
Amidst the turmoil, Caitlin Harwood, a mother of young children and a country desk officer for Mozambique at USAID, shared her concerns about the uncertain future ahead, particularly regarding her next paycheck. While acknowledging the potential for government efficiency improvements, she criticized the abrupt manner in which the recent changes were implemented, questioning the overall impact on American taxpayers and essential programs.
Former staff members like Ben Thompson, who worked in communications at USAID, voiced their distress over the layoffs, describing a sense of betrayal by those in power. Thompson highlighted the personal sacrifices made by dedicated individuals now facing an uncertain fate, contrasting their commitment to a larger cause with what he perceived as a lack of empathy from influential figures like Elon Musk.
As the repercussions of the layoffs reverberated throughout the agency, former USAID Administrator Samantha Power addressed workers directly, expressing her dismay at the unfolding events. She characterized the situation as a grave misstep in American foreign policy history, underscoring the widespread impact of the upheaval within the organization.
“Millions of Americans will look back on in horror,” Power stated in an interview with ABC News. “The way this is being handled – the cruelty, savagery, and sheer mercilessness of it all – is truly outrageous. Regardless of your stance on foreign assistance, the treatment of American public servants who have dedicated themselves to serving their country and its people should send chills down the spine and provoke horror in all of us,” she continued passionately.
Power expressed her hope that the workers of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) would remember the positive impact they have had on countless lives. The poignant scene captured in a photo showed individuals displaying signs as they bid farewell to their colleagues who were being laid off from USAID, clearing out their desks and gathering their personal belongings in Washington, D.C., on February 27, 2025.
Despite promises to uphold its work, the Trump administration had made substantial cuts to the humanitarian office of USAID, which left many supporters feeling disheartened. Some of these supporters had traveled long distances to be present outside the building in Washington, showing their solidarity with the departing workers.
One such supporter, Diana Putman, had driven for over three hours from Pennsylvania to be there in support. Having retired from USAID in 2022 after dedicating her entire career to the agency, she emphasized the agency’s historical significance in global development efforts. She lamented the potential loss of America’s positive international image due to the cutbacks at USAID.
As the gathering outside the Ronald Reagan Building unfolded, a symbolic gesture was observed: black tape had been placed over the USAID signage on the building’s exterior signs. In a show of defiance, Kate Parsons, a recently laid-off worker from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, removed the tape, asserting the agency’s continued presence and resilience.
Parsons stressed the importance of not giving up the fight against the hasty dismantling of USAID, highlighting that only Congress has the authority to shut down a government agency. She expressed determination that the battle was far from over and that the agency’s dedicated employees were not backing down without a fight.
Despite the challenges they faced, the dismissed USAID workers voiced their desire for the public to take pride in the work they had undertaken. One worker, Harwood, a mother of two young children, emphasized their nonpartisan dedication to serving the American people and their mission. She conveyed their hope to have made the public proud through their service.
The emotional scene of USAID employees clearing out their desks after being laid off due to budget cuts left a heartbreaking impact, underscoring the uncertainty and turmoil faced by these dedicated public servants.
