Breaking News: The USAID headquarters has announced a major layoff. Around 2,000 employees at the US Agency for International Development are facing layoffs, with most of the remaining full-time staff being placed on administrative leave overnight. Employees were informed of this development through an email that was sent out at 2:42 p.m. ET and later obtained by CNN.
The email stated, “All USAID direct hire personnel, except those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally.” The administrative leave is set to begin at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, according to the communication.
Additionally, the email mentioned the initiation of a Reduction-in-Force impacting roughly 2,000 USAID personnel stationed in the United States. Specific notifications regarding this reduction will be sent out to those affected on Sunday, and individuals designated as essential will be informed by 5 p.m. ET.
In response to this sudden decision, Tom Yazdgerdi, President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), expressed deep disappointment, stating, “Time and again, our members have shared how these reckless choices and dehumanizing rhetoric have caused significant harm to their personal and professional lives.”
This latest announcement reflects a concerning trend of downsizing within the federal agency, known for its global humanitarian efforts. Following a recent court ruling that dissolved a temporary restraining order preventing the government from placing thousands of agency employees on leave, the Trump administration’s restructuring of USAID has continued unabated, with AFSA actively involved in legal actions against these measures.
Over the weekend, employees at USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, crucial responders to disasters worldwide, were among those impacted by the ongoing changes. This story is constantly evolving, and further updates will be provided.
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