Trump Administration Cuts USAID Staff, Gives 15-Minute Notice

On Tuesday the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) informed employees that they had just 15 minutes to collect their belongings from their offices. This steps comes after the major cut announcement by US President Donald Trump.

Many of employees received the notice via text message because email access had already been disabled. According to the notice, staff must pass security checks before leaving the workspaces. They must bring their boxes and bags to collect the things as no packing materials will be provided. 

Most USAID employees have been placed on administrative leave and are blocked from office access. On Sunday the administration announced plans to fire 1,600 employees and place around 4,200 others on leave. A reduction in force is also expected to follow.

Before these cuts USAID had around 14,000 employees including full-time government staff and contractors. The changes come after a federal judge refused to block the administration’s actions.

The freeze on USAID funding has already affected efforts to provide food aid, manage migration, and counter China’s global influence.