The Trump administration has announced a significant downsizing of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move that will result in the elimination of 1,600 jobs, and the decision, which has sparked controversy, will also place most remaining employees on administrative leave and includes a 90-day suspension of foreign assistance.

The unprecedented cutbacks are set to radically change the workforce structure of USAID, affecting thousands of employees globally and eliciting strong reactions from various stakeholders, as Fox News reports.

In a move aimed at addressing allegations of excessive spending within the agency, the plan was set to take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Over a thousand positions were set to be terminated, leaving less than 300 employees to continue their duties after the workforce reduction, many of whom will focus on mission-critical tasks.

Global Workforce's Drastic Reduction

The affected staff received notifications indicating that, aside from those involved in essential projects, USAID employees across the globe would be placed on leave.

Remaining personnel will be part of core leadership and programs that require urgent attention. This mass dismissal marks a significant shift in USAID’s operations and its global humanitarian initiatives.

Moreover, while full-time positions are being reduced, the agency plans to engage a number of locally hired international staff to keep a select few essential programs afloat.

Despite this, uncertainty surrounds the number and scope of these employments. The layoffs have deeply impacted the agency’s internal community, especially as employees vacated their Washington, D.C. offices before the official deadline.

Emotional Farewells Amid Staff Exits

As they departed, many employees packed their belongings, leaving behind messages that reflected a gamut of emotions -- from despair over the agency’s downsizing to resilience in facing the unknown.

One box contained the poignant statement, "We are abandoning the world," capturing the sentiments of those deeply committed to USAID’s mission of global aid.

The reduction in USAID staffing has not been without its legal challenges and controversies. Government employee unions contested the layoffs, bringing the case to court. However, their efforts met a setback when U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols decided against extending a temporary restraining order that could have delayed the job cuts.

Court Rulings and Administration's Stance

Despite these challenges, the Trump administration is moving forward with its decision, which aligns with President Trump's broader policy of revisiting and revising foreign aid strategies.

President Trump imposed the 90-day hold on foreign aid while appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a dual role as the acting director of USAID. This appointment signifies a shift in focus and reflects a heightened scrutiny on fiscal efficiency within international aid agencies.

Criticism has also been directed at USAID by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, which has cited examples of questionable expenditures. Among these are the $20 million allocated to a Sesame Street initiative in Iraq and the nearly $1 million directed towards a Gaza-based organization focused on environmental development.

Administrative Changes and Criticism

These fiscal decisions underscore the administration's intent to closely monitor and evaluate the agency's spending patterns and their impact on both U.S. interests and international communities.

Internally, the effects of these changes remain profound. One departing employee left behind the message, "You can take the humanitarians out of USAID but you can’t take the humanity out of the humanitarians." This sentiment reflects the strong dedication and compassion many staff members have brought to their roles within the organization.

Uncertain Future for USAID Programs

As USAID operates under this new framework, the future of many programs remains uncertain. Critical life-saving projects will continue, in part through the efforts of locally hired staff, but the full extent of aid and how it will be administered remains an open question. The remaining agency staff must navigate a significantly altered landscape, seeking to fulfill their mission with limited resources.

The global community and advocacy groups are watching closely how these developments will unfold, especially in regions heavily reliant on USAID’s assistance. As the agency realigns its priorities, the impact on international relations and humanitarian efforts remains a critical focus.