Trump administration fires aid workers assisting earthquake relief in Myanmar

In Myanmar, on March 28, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, resulting in the deaths of over 3,300 individuals and injuring nearly 4,850 others. At that time, approximately 220 individuals were reported as missing, making it the second deadliest earthquake in the history of the country. Following this disaster, the United States sent three USAID workers to assess the situation and determine how the U.S. could aid in the recovery efforts. However, just days after arriving in Myanmar, these employees were terminated via email by the Trump administration. The firings occurred amidst broader changes within USAID as the Trump administration sought to reshape the agency according to its vision. This shift included significant budget cuts, job reductions, and a shift of oversight of foreign aid to the State Department, as expressed by senior government officials. This sudden termination of the USAID workers has raised concerns among their colleagues and U.S. diplomats who fear it might signify a worrying precedent—sending a message of uncertainty about the future of humanitarian aid efforts under the current administration. Colleagues of the recently fired workers expressed anger over what they described as a particularly cruel decision, intensified by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The U.S. had lagged in sending immediate aid compared to other nations like Russia, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, who responded promptly to assist following the disaster. Although it was initially indicated that the U.S. would respond with humanitarian assistance, the government announced only a modest $2 million in aid, significantly less than the $20 million pledged by the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India combined. Democratic senators have openly criticized this restraint on aid and urged Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Bessent to quickly explore what steps could be taken to assist the earthquake victims in Myanmar. Concerns linger over the long-term implications of the Trump administration's policies on USAID and the amount of support the U.S. is willing to provide to those in need during humanitarian crises. With indications that firings could continue as USAID is absorbed into the State Department, the path forward for U.S. foreign aid remains uncertain and fraught with controversy as officials and organizations scramble to respond to the needs of those affected by the earthquake.