Trump administration plans to reduce USAID staff from over 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees worldwide, with only 12 staff remaining in the Africa bureau and 8 in Asia
The reorganization is being led by Elon Musk, described as a close Trump ally, since January 20
All directly hired USAID employees globally are being put on leave, with thousands of overseas personnel being recalled
The administration aims to merge USAID with the State Department under Marco Rubio, though this may require congressional approval
USAID managed over $40 billion in fiscal 2023, providing aid to approximately 130 countries
Two-thirds of USAID's current 10,000+ employees work outside the United States
Former USAID head J. Brian Atwood warns that "a lot of people will not survive" these changes
Top aid recipients in 2023 included Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, DR Congo, Somalia, Yemen, and Afghanistan
Only staff designated for "mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs" will continue working
Termination notices have already begun being distributed to agency workers
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