More than 50 USAID Officials Placed on Administrative Leave Immediately
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More than 50 career servants and foreign service officers at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been placed on administrative leave, according to NBC News. The decision was due to actions within the agency that were perceived to be circumventing the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people, as stated by acting USAID Administrator Jason Gray. The move comes after the Trump administration froze almost all U.S. foreign assistance for a 90-day review and made other changes to government structure.
Over 50 USAID Employees Placed on Administrative Leave
Over 50 civil career servants and foreign service officers at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, two former USAID officials and a current official informed NBC News. This immediate action has left senior leadership and senior attorneys across the agency in limbo.
USAID employees were informed of the decision late Monday. “Several actions within USAID appear to be circumventing the President’s Executive Orders and the American people’s mandate,” said the acting USAID Administrator Jason Gray via email obtained by NBC News.
USAID, an independent federal agency, coordinates foreign aid and humanitarian development, often working under policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Their responsibilities include providing humanitarian relief during times of conflict and natural disasters, promoting global health, environmental sustainability, and education.
Reactions to the Decision
Former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk criticized the decision, saying that it fundamentally misread the role of career staff. “Career staff faithfully serve as intermediaries between political guidance from leadership and the formation of development policy,” said Konyndyk, now president of Refugees International. He added that this broad action seemed like an intimidation tactic to instill fear.
Federal government workers willing to discuss the matter can email or contact NBC News directly.
Trump Administration Freezes U.S. Foreign Assistance
Last week, the Trump administration halted nearly all U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, in line with an executive order by President Trump for a comprehensive review of foreign aid for efficiency and consistency with U.S. foreign policy. This is one of a series of moves by Trump to restructure government components.
He not only fired 18 inspectors general in the federal government, sent home dozens of national security officials from the White House, contemplated shutting down the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but also revoked security clearances for intelligence officials and approved the termination of federal employees in roles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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