The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing significant cuts, with thousands of employees set to be placed on leave from Friday night.
This move is part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to slash government funding, which has been a priority since his return to office last month .
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USAID, which provides humanitarian aid to over 100 countries, employs 10,000 people worldwide, with two-thirds of them working overseas.
The agency’s activities include providing prosthetic limbs to soldiers injured in Ukraine, clearing landmines, and containing the spread of Ebola in Africa.
The Trump administration’s decision has been criticized for its potential impact on humanitarian programs worldwide.
Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla CEO, has even suggested that USAID should be shut down, which many warn would have devastating effects on vulnerable populations globally.
In response to the cuts, USAID is working with the State Department to arrange and pay for return travel for its personnel posted outside the US within the month.
Employees who are exempt from the cuts will be informed by 15:00 EDT (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.
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The agency’s funding has been significant, with over $40 billion managed in fiscal year 2023.
The cuts are likely to have far-reaching consequences for USAID’s operations and the communities it serves.
