The Trump administration is set to cut the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workforce to fewer than 300 employees, down from over 10,000 globally, sources told Reuters. The move is part of a government overhaul led by billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally.
Only 294 staff members will retain their jobs, with just 12 in the Africa bureau and eight in Asia. Critics, including former USAID head J. Brian Atwood, warn the drastic cuts could cost lives and cripple critical humanitarian efforts.
The administration has already placed all USAID direct hires on leave and recalled thousands working overseas. The plan aims to merge USAID with the State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio, though legal hurdles remain. With billions in aid programs at risk, the shake-up threatens global initiatives addressing famine, disease prevention, and poverty alleviation. Termination notices have already begun circulating.
