USAID Employees Exit After Layoffs Following Efficiency Review
Washington, D.C. – A wave of layoffs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has resulted in emotional scenes outside the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Former employees, many carrying their personal belongings and receiving supportive flowers from gathered well-wishers, were seen leaving the building after being given a brief window to collect their things following a widespread administrative leave order. The layoffs come in the wake of a review conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, which identified what the department deemed "wasteful" spending within USAID’s numerous international programs and initiatives.
The story, broken by Fox News Digital, depicts a somber atmosphere as dozens of individuals assembled outside the USAID building on Thursday to demonstrate their support for the recently dismissed employees. The group held signs expressing solidarity and disagreement with the Trump administration’s decision to implement the cuts. Slogans like "You’re not the federal worker that should be fired" and "Make America compassionate again" adorned the signs, reflecting a sentiment of deep concern about the impact of the layoffs on both the affected individuals and the agency’s overall mission.
One particularly poignant sign read "DOGE fired me illegally, and all I got was this stupid sign," highlighting the anger and frustration felt by some of the terminated employees. This specific sign also alludes to potential legal challenges the agency might face as a result of the manner in which the layoffs were conducted.
According to documents obtained by Fox News Digital, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to cut 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. This drastic reduction signals a significant shift in the administration’s foreign policy priorities and a potential scaling back of the United States’ involvement in international development. The implications of such a dramatic cut could be far-reaching, affecting countless projects and initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting health, and fostering democracy around the world.
The emotional toll of the layoffs was evident in images captured by Fox News Digital. Workers and supporters were visibly moved as the former employees exited the building, carrying boxes and bags filled with personal mementos and office supplies. The scene painted a picture of sudden disruption and uncertainty for those affected, many of whom had dedicated years of service to the agency.
The DOGE review, spearheaded by Elon Musk, served as the catalyst for the sweeping changes at USAID. The department’s findings of "wasteful" spending prompted the Trump administration to take swift action, placing nearly 1,600 USAID employees on administrative leave globally on Sunday. This action was the precursor to the layoffs, leaving employees with little time to prepare for the abrupt end of their employment.
Those who were either fired or placed on administrative leave were granted a mere two days, Thursday and Friday, to enter the building and retrieve their belongings. The timeframe for this task was severely limited, with employees being allocated only approximately 15 minutes to collect their personal items from their workspaces.
USAID’s instructions to employees regarding the retrieval process emphasized the strict time constraints: "Staff will be given approximately 15 minutes to complete this retrieval, and must be finished removing items within their time slot only." While acknowledging the limitations, the agency offered a slight degree of flexibility in exceptional circumstances. "Staff with a significant amount of personal belongings to retrieve must be cognizant of time; however, flexibility may be granted in select circumstances with the approval of the Office of Security," the agency stated.
The rapid and seemingly inflexible nature of the layoff process has drawn criticism, with some questioning the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on USAID’s ability to effectively carry out its mission, given the loss of experienced personnel and the uncertainty surrounding the future of many of its programs. The agency’s efficiency may be in question if the employees released held extensive knowledge about specific projects. The amount of time required to bring new staff up to speed might counter the projected savings.
It remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately affect the agency’s operations and its role in global development. The Trump administration’s focus on cutting costs and streamlining government efficiency has undoubtedly had a significant impact on USAID, raising questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign aid policy. The events of the past week have left many within the agency and the broader development community deeply concerned about the potential consequences for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
As of the time of the Fox News Digital report, USAID had not responded to the news organization’s request for comment, leaving many questions unanswered about the rationale behind the layoffs and the agency’s plans for the future. The silence from USAID only adds to the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the agency’s future and the fate of its remaining employees. The lack of communication can impact morale, which can have a negative effect on efficiency.
