The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump plans to reduce the number of employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from over 10,000 to approximately 290.
This information was reported by The New York Times, citing three sources familiar with the administration’s plans.
According to the sources, the small remaining staff that is not set to be cut will consist of employees specializing in healthcare and humanitarian aid.
Two of the sources mentioned that USAID staff are pushing for less drastic cuts and have submitted much longer lists to the State Department, identifying personnel they believe are necessary to carry out critical programs.
On January 25, 2025, the U.S. froze all non-military international aid for 90 days, effectively halting USAID’s operations. In the Trump administration, Elon Musk is leading efforts to close USAID, increasingly leveling harsh criticisms against the agency.
As of Friday, February 7, USAID employees around the world have been placed on administrative leave.
