Trump administration absorbs USAID into State Department amid massive layoffs

In recent weeks, significant changes have been occurring within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as it confronts a wave of layoffs and restructuring. This turmoil is largely attributed to an executive order enacted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which halted all foreign assistance managed by the State Department and USAID. The decision aligns with the Trump administration's broader agenda to prioritize American interests in foreign policy. Previous administrations have leveraged USAID's support for nations in conflict and poverty, with the United States being a critical donor to initiatives like the United Nations World Food Program. The effects of these changes have been profound, particularly for the millions who rely on humanitarian aid provided by USAID. Former senior foreign service officers have raised concerns that the termination of the agency will severely hinder life-saving aid efforts across multiple regions, especially in nations like Sudan. These diplomatic efforts, which had taken decades to cultivate, are now being dismantled, jeopardizing stability and regional goodwill that rely on American development work. The transition of core functions from USAID to the State Department threatens to erode the effectiveness and mission-driven approach that has characterized the agency's distinguished history over the past sixty years. Former employees of USAID describe how their careers have been devoted to addressing some of the world's most critical challenges, from Africa to Asia. They have fostered development initiatives that have provided essential resources like food, medicine, and electricity, significantly improving the lives of many. As the USAID workforce faces the implications of these changes, there is a sense of loss, both for the personnel and the populations they served. The collective identity of USAID workers has been intricately tied to their missions, making the current restructuring particularly challenging. Looking ahead, the future of development assistance remains uncertain. The integration of USAID's missions into the State Department, while purportedly aimed at increasing efficiency, raises questions about the commitment to international humanitarian efforts. The intertwining of diplomacy and development is crucial in maintaining a humanitarian focus in foreign policy, and dismantling USAID could undermine U.S. interests abroad, along with the stability of vulnerable nations. Stakeholders worry that unless the U.S. maintains a strong commitment to development initiatives, its role as a global leader in humanitarian assistance may be irrevocably altered.