USAID Puts 1,600 Employees on Administrative Leave

Yesterday at around 11:59 pm, the United States Agency for International Development, placed no fewer than 1,600 employees worldwide on administrative leave.

The administrative leave was disclosed in a statement published on the agency’s website titled “Notification of Administrative Leave.
The statement read in part:
As of 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally,.”
The statement also added that concurrently, USAID is beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force that will affect approximately 1,600 USAID personnel with duty stations in the United States.

The statement stated that affected employees will receive direct notifications, detailing the next steps regarding their employment status, benefits, and future options, furthering that amid the uncertainty, a selected group of essential personnel were tasked with continuing operations. These individuals, identified by agency leadership, were expected to remain in their roles despite the sweeping changes.

The impact of these changes was particularly pronounced for USAID’s overseas personnel. However, the agency pledged to ensure their safety.
The agency also outlined a voluntary, agency-funded return travel programme for those stationed abroad, aiming to facilitate their transition back home.

However, until their return, these personnel would retain access to essential agency systems and diplomatic support.
Also, employees without access to USAID systems were advised to check USAID.gov for ongoing updates, as agency officials promised continued communication through official channels.

Conclusively, the statement pointed out that additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.