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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) abruptly placed at least 1,600 employees worldwide on administrative leave late Sunday, February 23, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The decision, detailed in a website statement titled “Notification of Administrative Leave,” spares only a handful of staff deemed essential for critical operations or leadership roles.
Simultaneously, the agency launched a Reduction-in-Force affecting roughly 1,600 U.S.-based personnel.
Affected workers received personal notices on Sunday outlining their benefits and next steps, while essential staff were informed by 5 p.m. EST to continue duties.
“We’re ensuring a smooth transition for those impacted,” the statement read, promising further guidance.
Overseas employees face significant upheaval but are offered voluntary, agency-funded return travel and retained access to systems and diplomatic aid until repatriation. USAID vowed to prioritize their safety.
The agency also plans to detail retrieval of personal items and return of equipment soon.
Staff without system access were directed to USAID.gov for updates, with officials committing to transparent communication amid this drastic overhaul.