Thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development workers who've been fired or placed on leave as part of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the agency are being given a brief window Thursday and Friday to clear out their workspaces.

Summary

The Trump administration has dismantled USAID, placing 4,080 staffers on leave and firing 1,600 more, eliminating over 90% of the agency’s foreign aid contracts totaling $60 billion.

Affected employees were given just 15 minutes to clear their workspaces under strict security.

This action, led by Trump and Elon Musk, proceeded without congressional authorization, though a Congressional Research Service report states such approval is required.

Legal challenges continue, with the Supreme Court temporarily blocking a federal judge’s order to release frozen funds.

  • @taiyang
    39•1 day ago

    For some reason the average US citizen thinks aid makes up 10% or more of our budget, when it’s much closer to 1% or less. It’s again a propaganda problem, perhaps since our real costly agencies (mostly military) would rather not be rightfully defunded.

    • @NightwingdragonEnglish
      16•1 day ago

      The US spends $916 billion on defense, just under double what China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia spend on their militaries combined. We could easily slash 10 or even 20% from our military budget and we would still be far and away the most powerful military on the planet.

      • @schema
        5•1 day ago

        There is also a huge amount of waste going on AFAIK.

        People in charge are knowingly spending money on stuff they don’t need, just to spend their budget. Because if they spend less, the get less budget next round. They are essentially incentiviced to waste money.

      • @taiyang
        2•1 day ago

        Yup. But for whatever reason most Americans don’t seem to know that, they even think education is more than military. I don’t think it’s for lack of trying. Misinformation is strong, especially if you listen to right wing media.