The Trump administration has made sweeping changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), placing more than 50 senior career staff and foreign service officers on administrative leave due to alleged actions deemed as circumventing presidential directives. The move, announced on January 27, 2025, has raised alarms among current and former officials, leading some to label it the "Monday afternoon massacre."
According to reports from NBC News and other sources, the directive was communicated via email from acting USAID Administrator Jason Gray. The email outlined how some employees at the agency appeared to contravene the Executive Orders issued by President Trump. Gray stated, "We have identified several actions within USAID... to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people." The employees affected would remain on paid administrative leave until the agency completed its review of these alleged circumventions.
This action primarily targets senior leadership and attorneys within USAID—a significant move for the agency, which plays a key role in implementing U.S. foreign aid and humanitarian efforts worldwide. With a budget exceeding $22.6 billion, USAID is responsible for delivering disaster relief, global health initiatives, and anti-poverty programs. The decision leaves many agencies devoid of senior non-political leadership, dramatically impacting operations, particularly the bureau overseeing global health.
"This is like taking out all the generals," remarked one former Trump administration official, highlighting the grave concern over the loss of experienced leaders at such a pivotal moment.
Critics of the decision argue it reflects the Trump administration's broader attempt to reshape the federal workforce according to its political agenda, threatening to undermine decades of diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID official and current president of Refugees International, expressed distress over the decision: "This is a destroying the village in order to save it approach to governing."
Last week, President Trump issued an executive order freezing nearly all U.S. foreign aid pending reviews intended to assess alignment with American foreign policy under his administration. The action was touted as part of his "America First" agenda, aiming to streamline aid allocation processes and eliminate perceived inefficiencies. The directive included strict stipulations, including halting new obligations and disbursements of aid until the administration's review was concluded.
This freeze has led to widespread concern about its repercussions for billions of dollars worth of life-saving aid globally. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged the Trump administration to exempt more humanitarian aid from the freeze, emphasizing the urgency of sustaining support for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Former USAID staff members have described the sense of fear and mistrust permeated within the agency. Bencosme, who previously led USAID policy toward China, added, "This decision undermines our national security and emboldens our adversaries... Instead of focusing on China, North Korea, or Russia, the Trump administration is going after public servants who have served multiple administrations."
The sweeping administrative leave actions come as the Trump administration attempts to exert control over federal agencies and minimize any internal dissent. Reports indicate the move is part of broader efforts initiated upon the President's return to office aimed at reshaping the federal workforce he has described as hostile during his first term.
Notably, this is part of a larger pattern where the administration has sought to terminate inspectors general, change job offers, and significantly diminish the federal workforce's capacity to challenge or negate Presidential authority. The agency has faced directives limiting communication with external actors and prohibiting its personnel from acting independently without top-level approval, putting additional strain on agency morale.
Experts warn such unilateral actions could dismantle established agency structures and partnerships, endangering U.S. interests abroad and potentially stalling efforts to address significant issues such as health crises, poverty, and environmental challenges around the globe. Konyndyk warned, "If this is not reversed, it will wreck U.S. foreign aid... It would permanently weaken USAID."
With the world watching how the U.S. manages foreign aid and humanitarian efforts, many are left questioning the future effectiveness of USAID and the extent to which the current administration’s decisions will influence America’s role as the world’s leading donor.