The Trump administration is starting to cut 1,600 the Agency for International Development (USAID) employees in the US. Amid this, entrepreneur Elon Musk criticises the agency, suggesting its closure, while Marco Rubio plans to check programmes for compliance with US interests, US media reported on Monday.
USAID has issued an official statement specifying that the administration of US President Donald Trump has begun the process of significant staff cuts, which could result in thousands of employees losing their jobs. According to a document on the agency’s website:
“all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs.”
For staff working outside the US, USAID plans to launch a flight programme, the funding for which will be entirely provided by the agency. The downsized staff will be able to use the agency’s systems, resources and diplomatic channels before returning to their home country.
Earlier, entrepreneur and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk noted that government employees in the US will have to submit weekly performance reports and otherwise be fired. Musk spoke out on February 2, calling USAID a “criminal organisation.”
He also stated that President Trump agrees with shutting down the agency and that they are “already in the process” of making that move.
In connection with the suspension of USAID funding, Marco Rubio, the acting head of the agency, said authorities plan to conduct a comprehensive audit of the agency to assess whether programme funding is in line with the administration’s international policies. He noted that USAID had previously spent funds “to the detriment” of the US, and after the review, some programmes may be unfrozen or even expanded.
