ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced the elimination of 1,600 positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a key player in global humanitarian efforts. The cuts, part of a broader effort to reduce foreign aid programs, will place all USAID staff in the U.S. on paid administrative leave, except for senior leadership and critical personnel.
USAID has long been a symbol of American “soft power,” offering disaster relief, health initiatives, and development assistance around the world. The move to downsize is seen as a blow to this global influence, with experts warning it will significantly hinder the U.S.’s capacity to respond to global crises.
The decision follows the administration’s earlier halt on foreign aid spending, which had already disrupted vital humanitarian efforts. The cuts are being led by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, who has advocated for a restructure of the agency.
Two former senior USAID officials expressed concern that the downsizing would leave the agency lacking critical expertise, particularly when responding to emergencies like disease outbreaks or humanitarian crises.
While the White House has not publicly commented on the decision, a recent court ruling allowed the cuts to move forward, despite opposition from government employee unions.
This restructuring is part of President Trump’s broader review of U.S. foreign assistance programs. While some exceptions have been made for security and counter-narcotics operations, USAID’s programs have been significantly reduced, with only a small fraction of funding being preserved.
The move underscores the administration’s shift in foreign policy priorities and its growing reluctance to continue funding extensive foreign aid, raising questions about the U.S.’s role on the global stage moving forward.
