Trump throws USAid into the trash – mass furloughs shock the world!

Trump throws USAid into the trash – mass furloughs shock the world!

The US development aid agency USAid is facing drastic staff cuts: US President Donald Trump has furloughed almost all employees. The move takes effect this Friday, 11:59 p.m. Washington time. Over 10,000 employees are affected, including two thirds abroad. Only fewer than 300 of them remain in their positions due to critical functions. According to information from NPR USAid funding was frozen after Trump took office; the president described the agency as run by radical elements who were wasting taxpayers' money.

In addition to the massive furloughs, there have already been numerous layoffs within USAid. This was stated in a report by TIME highlighted. The furloughs and layoffs come in the context of Trump's repeated criticism of the agency, which he sees as a "haven of radical lunatics." His advisor Elon Musk also made disparaging comments about USAid, describing it as a “snake’s nest of radical left-wing Marxists.” Musk has also hinted at plans to close USAid completely and fold the agency into the State Department.

The consequences of this massive workforce reduction are serious: USAid is the largest donor of development aid in the world, with significant programs in countries such as Ukraine, Ethiopia and Jordan. The sudden withdrawal of support could have a significant impact globally. In addition, legal action could be taken against the furloughs and dismissals, meaning that the US government would have to expect high costs for repatriation and relocation. With these measures, Trump is pursuing a radical restructuring of the American administration, which calls the entire international aid structure into question.