Trump Administration Eases USAID Staff Reduction Plans, Retains 611 Key Employees

The Trump administration, which had originally planned major staff reductions at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has decided to retain 611 key personnel, according to a notice circulated among agency employees. Initially, it was expected that fewer than 300 out of more than 10,000 employees worldwide would be retained, reports NewsBox.

This decision marks a partial retreat from the aggressive cost-cutting measures initiated by billionaire Elon Musk, an ally of Trump. USAID, the main U.S. humanitarian agency that distributes aid internationally, became the primary target of this initiative, states Reuters.

The staff cuts at USAID were scheduled to take effect at midnight on February 7. However, these plans face opposition from a lawsuit filed on February 6, which aims to overturn the administration's agenda for dismantling the agency. The lawsuit requests a temporary, followed by a permanent, court order to reinstate funding for USAID, reopen its offices, and block further directives for its closure.

The decision to keep some USAID employees comes amid a broader reduction program for federal employees, as the Trump administration pressures federal workers to voluntarily leave their positions. The deadline for submitting resignations has been extended at least until Monday, due to another lawsuit challenging this policy.

Thus, despite initial aggressive plans to significantly reduce USAID's staff, the Trump administration appears to have adjusted its approach, maintaining a substantial number of essential employees. Legal challenges against the reduction policy continue to influence the situation.