Thousands of USAID Workers to Go on Leave, Reports BBC
The BBC reports that thousands of employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on leave starting Friday night. This decision affects most staff, except those in critical roles or leadership positions.
USAID, which provides aid to over 100 countries, has about 10,000 employees worldwide, with two-thirds working overseas. The agency has a yearly budget of around $40 billion, which is less than 1% of US federal spending.
The Trump administration has criticized USAID, calling it wasteful and saying it needs to focus more on its policy goals. However, many Democrats and USAID staff argue that cutting the agency’s work will harm global security and put lives at risk.
According to the BBC, USAID employees posted outside the US will be helped to return home within 30 days. Those who are exempt from the leave will be notified by Thursday afternoon.
The BBC notes that USAID staff often work in dangerous areas, including conflict zones, so it’s unclear how they will be safely brought back. This move is part of broader cuts by President Trump, who has teamed up with billionaire Elon Musk to reduce government spending.
Earlier this week, the White House listed examples of what it called “wasteful” spending, such as grants for LGBTQ groups in Serbia and electric vehicles in Vietnam. Critics, however, say these cuts are unfair and could hurt vulnerable people worldwide.
The BBC highlights that closing USAID completely would require approval from Congress. For now, the agency’s future is uncertain. Many Democrats, including Senator Andy Kim, have criticized the changes, calling them “illegal” and harmful to US global influence.
USAID’s work includes helping injured soldiers in Ukraine, clearing landmines, and fighting diseases like Ebola. In Nigeria, for example, HIV patients rely on free anti-retroviral drugs funded by USAID. One patient told the BBC she’s worried about losing access to these life-saving medicines.
The BBC emphasizes that while the Trump administration sees these cuts as a way to save money, many fear the consequences will be devastating for people in need around the world.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx253xjnxrmo