Trump Administration Cuts 1,600 USAID Jobs in Cost-Saving Move

The federal workforce continues to shrink under President Donald Trump’s second-term administration, with the latest round of layoffs affecting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The federal government has terminated 1,600 USAID employees as part of its ongoing effort to reduce expenses.

This move follows a broader Reduction in Force (RIF) strategy implemented since Trump returned to the White House. The administration has dismissed nearly 20,000 federal employees across various departments, citing the need to cut costs. USAID, responsible for overseeing America’s foreign aid initiatives, has now seen significant downsizing.

An internal email sent to affected employees on Feb. 23 confirmed the terminations. According to a report by Reuters, the message stated: “As part of the administration’s workforce reduction efforts, your position has been eliminated. We regret to inform you that you have been laid off.” Some employees have been placed on indefinite leave, while others were directly notified of their dismissals.

USAID, established in 1961, facilitates U.S. foreign assistance programs aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and displacement. Since Trump’s re-election, his administration has implemented strict funding restrictions on the agency. One of the initial actions after his Jan. 20, 2025, inauguration was a 90-day freeze on foreign aid. Funding reductions have impacted programs related to hunger relief, medical assistance, and housing for displaced populations worldwide. Exemptions have been minimal, with fewer than $100 million in funds permitted for select initiatives.

The decision to cut USAID staff has faced legal challenges. Employees affected by the layoffs sought court intervention to halt the process. However, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed their petitions, allowing the administration to proceed. Within hours of the ruling, the 1,600 job cuts were executed. Only personnel assigned to critical global operations remain on duty, while lower-priority roles have been eliminated.

The Trump administration maintains that these layoffs are necessary to ease the financial burden on the federal government. With USAID’s budget significantly curtailed, the agency’s operations are being scaled back, reflecting the administration’s broader shift in foreign aid policy. This development has sparked debate over the long-term implications of reducing America’s global assistance programs.

As the restructuring continues, additional cuts across federal agencies remain a possibility. The administration’s approach to downsizing government operations is expected to remain a key issue in policy discussions moving forward.