Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle USAID, Placing Thousands on Administrative Leave

The Trump administration's latest decision to put nearly all USAID employees on leave is provoking significant backlash and raising urgent international concerns.

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This story was covered by 18 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

World

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

In a sweeping and controversial move, the Trump administration has announced plans to place nearly all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) personnel on administrative leave effective midnight Friday. The decision impacts thousands of staff globally, halting essential programs for health, food, and education. Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, argue the action is illegal and detrimental to U.S. global interests, particularly against rivals like China and Russia. The administration claims this restructuring is to improve efficiency and oversight, but immediate repercussions on aid deliveries and humanitarian assistance are raising alarm among advocates and affected communities.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

The Trump administration's decision to place nearly all USAID staff on leave undermines decades of bipartisan support for foreign aid and development, illustrating a reckless disregard for global partnerships that benefit humanitarian efforts and stabilize regions.
Critics, including the American Foreign Service Association, argue this move is unconstitutional and undermines the agency's mission established by Congress, potentially damaging US credibility on the international stage.
This action raises concerns about potential humanitarian crises that may arise from a sudden withdrawal of aid personnel, contradicting Trump's claims of prioritizing America while neglecting global responsibilities.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

The Trump administration's decision to place non-essential USAID staff on leave represents a critical step in eliminating government waste, a crucial point emphasized by the President and supported by the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk.
With Trump declaring USAID as having been run by 'radical lunatics,' this move aligns with the Republican agenda to streamline foreign aid and ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently without left-leaning agendas influencing policy.
By positioning USAID under the control of the State Department and appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting chief, the Trump administration aims to enforce accountability and better align foreign assistance with an 'America First' foreign policy.

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Highlights (15)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

The drastic actions taken by the Trump administration against USAID reflect a troubling disregard for constitutional norms and the vital role that foreign aid plays in global stability.
USAID places staff on leave, recalls personnel overseas
Al Jazeera
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The abrupt decision to place most USAID direct hires on administrative leave signals a troubling retreat from global engagement, raising alarm over the potential humanitarian crises that could unfold from such drastic cuts to foreign aid.
Trump admin placing most USAID staff on leave worldwide
Axios
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The abrupt decision to place USAID's direct hires on administrative leave showcases a troubling trend under the Trump administration that threatens to dismantle a critical agency responsible for humanitarian aid globally.
USAID announces nearly all direct hires will be placed on administrative leave
NBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The recent actions taken by the Trump administration to freeze foreign aid and place senior USAID officials on leave reflect a troubling disregard for the agency's essential role in international development and humanitarian assistance.
USAID Puts All Direct Hire Personnel on Administrative Leave
Epoch Times
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
The unfolding situation at USAID reflects a drastic and controversial shift in U.S. foreign policy, driven by a desire to dismantle an established agency that provides crucial support across the globe.
Almost all USAID workers across the globe placed on leave as Trump moves to gut agency
USA TODAY
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The sweeping cuts and reorganization at USAID reflect a troubling trend of undermining an agency critical to the U.S. foreign aid landscape, all while cloaked in a rhetoric of government efficiency.
USAID direct hires put on leave worldwide — except those deemed essential
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
The sweeping administrative leave for nearly all USAID staff signals a troubling disregard for the critical services the agency provides, with the current leadership seemingly prioritizing chaos over the welfare of those who depend on international aid.
USAID says it will put nearly its entire staff on administrative leave starting Friday at midnight
Business Insider
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The Trump administration's recent directive to place USAid staff on leave reveals a troubling disregard for the agency's longstanding commitment to global aid, signaling a move that could cripple its operations and disrupt essential support to countries in need.
Trump dismisses USAid direct-hire workers around the world
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The withdrawal of almost all USAID workers represents a drastic step that not only undermines decades of American efforts to promote global stability but also jeopardizes the lives and futures of countless individuals who rely on U.S. aid.
Trump administration pulling almost all USAID workers off the job worldwide
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
'It's just so stupid and dangerous' captures the viewpoint that the recent actions by the Trump administration against USAID reflect a misguided approach that jeopardizes both the agency's mission and its international reputation.
Trump administration prepares to withdraw USAID staff from overseas posts by weekend
NPR
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The instant retraction of much of the world’s food and health-care infrastructure will create damage that cannot be undone, with devastating long-term consequences for millions of vulnerable people.
America Can’t Just Unpause USAID
The Atlantic
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Left
In a troubling turn of events, USAID faces widespread administrative leave for its employees abroad, a move reflecting the escalating scrutiny and criticism directed at the agency by the current administration regarding its spending and operations.
USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled: report
FOX News
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
The drastic decision to shut down USAID poses a significant threat to global humanitarian efforts, undermining the vital work being done to address health crises and provide disaster relief.
USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled by Friday
CBS News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The Trump administration's drastic measures against USAID not only threaten the agency's longstanding mission but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for the implications of dismantling vital foreign assistance efforts.
USAID Direct Hires Put on Leave Worldwide, Except Those Deemed Essential
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
The halt in USAID funding represents a catastrophic rollback of vital international aid, effectively jeopardizing countless lives and exacerbating existing humanitarian crises around the globe.
How the US foreign aid freeze is intensifying humanitarian crises across the globe
CNN
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left