Dozens of USAID officials placed on leave amid Trump’s investigation

On January 27, 2025, in the United States, over 50 senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development were placed on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation related to alleged actions that aimed to circumvent directives issued by President Donald Trump. This sweeping action was confirmed by several former and current officials within the agency, highlighting the contentious atmosphere in federal governance following Trump's recent executive orders. The decision specifically targeted experienced officials, many of whom had served across multiple administrations, signaling a drastic shift in the operation of a key agency tasked with coordinating foreign aid and development. The investigation stems from a broader context where the Trump administration had previously stipulated a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign assistance through an executive order aimed at reviewing aid programs to ensure they align with national interests. The implications of the leave placed on senior USAID officials are significant, with several insiders suggesting that this move could be perceived as an effort to intimidate and instill fear among remaining staff. These officials were involved in crucial negotiations to manage U.S.-funded aid organizations that were grappling with the repercussions of the funding freeze. The impact of these actions extends beyond personnel changes, potentially disrupting ongoing humanitarian efforts worldwide. Aid organizations had been preparing to implement significant shifts in their operational capabilities due to funding uncertainties caused by the administration's directives. Many essential staff were laid off, severely limiting the capacity to provide critical services such as healthcare, clean water, and emergency provisions to populations in need across various regions including conflict zones. Former officials expressed concern over the broader implications of these administrative moves, noting that career civil service employees typically work to implement policies in good faith, mediating between political directives and the operational realities required for effective aid delivery. Critics of the Trump administration's approach warn that creating an atmosphere of fear could hinder the ability of dedicated professionals to function effectively, thereby jeopardizing the mission of USAID to provide aid and support to the most vulnerable globally.