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Updated at 6:20 p.m. ET on March 28

Major Changes Loom for USAID Under Trump Administration

In a significant move, the Trump administration plans to eliminate nearly all positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that are not legally mandated. This decision is part of an initiative to assimilate the agency’s operations into the State Department, as outlined in a memorandum distributed to USAID staff on Friday and obtained by Government Executive.

The timeline for this transition includes layoffs occurring under reduction in force procedures, scheduled for either July 1 or September 2. These dates are also critical for the discontinuation of agency programs or their transfer to the State Department. During this period, agency staff are being urged to assist in the transition process.

The memo, authored by Jeremy Lewin—a former official who previously worked at the Department of Government Efficiency, which is backed by Elon Musk—invites employees to take part in the transition work. It acknowledges that many employees may prefer to prioritize personal matters during this time, suggesting that the administration is aware of the impact these changes could have on staff.

Effective Saturday, USAID employees will have the option to either continue their active roles or opt for administrative leave.

As the State Department prepares to take over USAID’s critical aid and development functions, it has been indicated that current USAID employees will have opportunities for employment at the State Department. Furthermore, individuals already laid off will receive a revised reduction in force (RIF) separation date of either July 1 or September 2 to ensure equitable treatment regarding notice, severance, and travel arrangements compared to remaining staff members.

The memo reassures overseas employees that their return travel will be “safe and fully compensated.”

The administration contends that this restructuring will streamline efficiency and accountability in the delivery of foreign assistance, enabling the U.S. to present a unified voice on international matters. This move has, however, encountered legal challenges. A district judge had issued a ruling on March 18 to halt the dismantling of USAID. Yet, a circuit court subsequently suspended the lower court’s order while it reviews the administration’s appeal.

In light of these developments, the Congressional Research Service noted in February that congressional authorization will be required for any actions to abolish, transfer, or consolidate the agency’s functions.

Critics of the administration’s moves, including Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have characterized the actions against USAID as “illegal.” They emphasized that any decision to dismantle USAID or integrate it into another agency requires congressional approval rather than reliance on private entities.

“If he wants to dismantle or fold USAID into another agency and fire all USAID personnel he must come to Congress, not Elon Musk,” they remarked in a joint statement. “We will continue to fight this in the courts, in Congress and with the American people.”

This article has been updated to include the latest developments related to the appeals case and statements from Rep. Connolly and Sen. Kaine.

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