29 sources·World

Trump Administration Orders Near-Total Withdrawal of USAID Workers Amid Protests and Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact

USAID personnel ordered off the job face uncertainty as protests erupt, leaving vital aid programs at risk due to recent Trump administration actions.

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  1. USAID workers scramble for answers after Trump pulls almost all of them off the job worldwide

    The unexpected pullout of USAID staffers not only disrupts crucial humanitarian efforts but also raises serious questions about the administration's commitment to global aid and American leadership on the world stage.

    USAID workers scramble for answers after Trump pulls almost all of them off the job worldwide

    ABC NewsABC News·2M
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    Center
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  2. USAID workers scramble for answers after Trump pulls almost all of them off the job worldwide

    The Trump administration's abrupt order to withdraw USAID staff from the field threatens to dismantle decades of humanitarian efforts and places countless lives at risk, underscoring a troubling disregard for America's commitments to global assistance.

    USAID workers scramble for answers after Trump pulls almost all of them off the job worldwide

    Associated PressAssociated Press·2M
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  3. Trump’s demand that US aid workers return home sparks outrage in Washington and anxiety overseas

    The abrupt dismantling of USAID by the Trump administration signals a reckless approach to foreign aid, jeopardizing vital health and development programs while raising serious concerns about governance and accountability.

    Trump’s demand that US aid workers return home sparks outrage in Washington and anxiety overseas

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·2M
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    This outlet slightly leans right.
  4. USAID is on Trump and Musk's cost-cutting list. Here's where the foreign aid agency spends its money.

    Proposed cuts to the US Agency for International Development not only threaten vital assistance to countries in need but also risk exacerbating humanitarian crises and destabilizing regions already facing significant challenges.

    USAID is on Trump and Musk's cost-cutting list. Here's where the foreign aid agency spends its money.

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·2M
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  5. Almost all USAID workers will be pulled off the job worldwide, Trump administration says

    The Trump administration's drastic decision to dismantle USAID not only jeopardizes vital humanitarian efforts worldwide but also raises serious concerns about America's commitment to global leadership and security.

    Almost all USAID workers will be pulled off the job worldwide, Trump administration says

    PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·2M
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  6. Australian foreign aid workers fear ‘deaths and suffering’ will result from Trump’s halt to USAid

    The disruption caused by the Trump administration's foreign aid policies threatens essential services worldwide, with Australian aid organizations facing the risk of shutdowns and dire consequences for vulnerable communities.

    Australian foreign aid workers fear ‘deaths and suffering’ will result from Trump’s halt to USAid

    The GuardianThe Guardian·2M
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  7. USAID Workers Scramble for Answers after Trump Pulls Almost All of Them off the Job Worldwide

    The Trump administration's abrupt order to dismantle USAID poses a grave threat not only to countless humanitarian projects worldwide, but also to the well-being and safety of the dedicated staff who have tirelessly worked to support vulnerable populations across the globe.

    USAID Workers Scramble for Answers after Trump Pulls Almost All of Them off the Job Worldwide

    NewsmaxNewsmax·2M
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  8. Trump Administration Pulling Near All USAID Workers Off Job

    The Trump administration's drastic cuts to USAID signal a reckless abandonment of vital humanitarian missions that have long been a cornerstone of American global engagement.

    Trump Administration Pulling Near All USAID Workers Off Job

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·2M
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  9. Daily Briefing: Trump, DOGE and what's happening at USAID

    President Trump's aggressive actions to place USAID workers on leave signal a drastic shift in the government's approach to foreign aid, revealing a troubling disregard for the agency's established role and the vital work it performs globally.

    Daily Briefing: Trump, DOGE and what's happening at USAID

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·2M
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  10. USAID staff will be put on leave starting on Friday

    The impending shutdown of USAID marks a troubling trend in the current administration's disregard for humanitarian efforts, threatening to undermine vital programs that serve the world's most vulnerable populations.

    USAID staff will be put on leave starting on Friday

    BBC NewsBBC News·2M
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  11. USAID places staff on leave, recalls personnel overseas

    The drastic actions taken by the Trump administration against USAID reflect a troubling disregard for constitutional norms and the vital role that foreign aid plays in global stability.

    USAID places staff on leave, recalls personnel overseas

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·2M
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  12. Trump admin placing most USAID staff on leave worldwide

    The abrupt decision to place most USAID direct hires on administrative leave signals a troubling retreat from global engagement, raising alarm over the potential humanitarian crises that could unfold from such drastic cuts to foreign aid.

    Trump admin placing most USAID staff on leave worldwide

    AxiosAxios·2M
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  13. USAID announces nearly all direct hires will be placed on administrative leave

    The abrupt decision to place USAID's direct hires on administrative leave showcases a troubling trend under the Trump administration that threatens to dismantle a critical agency responsible for humanitarian aid globally.

    USAID announces nearly all direct hires will be placed on administrative leave

    NBC NewsNBC News·2M
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  14. USAID Puts All Direct Hire Personnel on Administrative Leave

    The recent actions taken by the Trump administration to freeze foreign aid and place senior USAID officials on leave reflect a troubling disregard for the agency's essential role in international development and humanitarian assistance.

    USAID Puts All Direct Hire Personnel on Administrative Leave

    Epoch TimesEpoch Times·2M
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  15. USAID direct hires put on leave worldwide — except those deemed essential

    The sweeping cuts and reorganization at USAID reflect a troubling trend of undermining an agency critical to the U.S. foreign aid landscape, all while cloaked in a rhetoric of government efficiency.

    USAID direct hires put on leave worldwide — except those deemed essential

    New York PostNew York Post·2M
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  16. Trump administration prepares to withdraw USAID staff from overseas posts by weekend

    'It's just so stupid and dangerous' captures the viewpoint that the recent actions by the Trump administration against USAID reflect a misguided approach that jeopardizes both the agency's mission and its international reputation.

    Trump administration prepares to withdraw USAID staff from overseas posts by weekend

    NPRNPR·2M
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  17. America Can’t Just Unpause USAID

    The instant retraction of much of the world’s food and health-care infrastructure will create damage that cannot be undone, with devastating long-term consequences for millions of vulnerable people.

    America Can’t Just Unpause USAID

    The AtlanticThe Atlantic·2M
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  18. USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled: report

    In a troubling turn of events, USAID faces widespread administrative leave for its employees abroad, a move reflecting the escalating scrutiny and criticism directed at the agency by the current administration regarding its spending and operations.

    USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled: report

    FOX NewsFOX News·2M
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  19. USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled by Friday

    The drastic decision to shut down USAID poses a significant threat to global humanitarian efforts, undermining the vital work being done to address health crises and provide disaster relief.

    USAID missions overseas ordered to shut down, staff being recalled by Friday

    CBS NewsCBS News·2M
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  20. How the US foreign aid freeze is intensifying humanitarian crises across the globe

    The halt in USAID funding represents a catastrophic rollback of vital international aid, effectively jeopardizing countless lives and exacerbating existing humanitarian crises around the globe.

    How the US foreign aid freeze is intensifying humanitarian crises across the globe

    CNNCNN·2M
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  1. ABC News
  2. Associated Press
  3. Boston Herald
  4. Business Insider
  5. PBS NewsHour
  6. The Guardian
  7. Newsmax
  8. TIME Magazine
  9. USA TODAY
  10. BBC News
  11. Al Jazeera
  12. Axios
  13. NBC News
  14. Epoch Times
  15. New York Post
  16. NPR
  17. The Atlantic
  18. FOX News
  19. CBS News
  20. CNN

Feb 4th, 2025, 11:37 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has directed nearly all USAID personnel to take administrative leave, creating chaos among aid staff globally. Many employees are frantically preparing for abrupt relocations, with some fearing they might be stranded abroad. Protests are erupting in Washington against what critics label an attempt to dismantle the six-decade-old agency. As the agency faces a complete operational shutdown, billions in aid projects in over 120 countries are at risk, including healthcare initiatives in Africa and education programs in Afghanistan. Lawmakers argue that legislative approval is needed to dissolve USAID, emphasizing its importance in countering global adversaries.


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