A new round of administrative leaves at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has drawn attention to potential internal pushback over President Trump’s order to halt foreign aid programs.
Key Facts:
- At least 56 senior USAID officials were reportedly placed on leave with pay and benefits.
- An internal notice accused some employees of actions meant to get around the president’s directives.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated a 90-day freeze on aid spending.
- Emergency food programs and certain military aid were exempted from the freeze.
The Rest of The Story:
According to multiple sources, dozens of seasoned government employees found themselves on leave this week.
They are suspected of undermining President Trump’s executive orders to pause various U.S.-funded humanitarian, development, and security projects.
This pause, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is intended to give officials time to ensure U.S. foreign assistance is aligned with what the administration calls “America First” priorities.
Despite the freeze, emergency food distributions and some defense support to key allies continue.
Even so, thousands of international projects have been suspended or forced to scale back, which has led to layoffs and disruptions in the field.
One former USAID official noted that career staff were working intensely to keep critical resources flowing to vulnerable populations before they were put on leave.
The USAID notice, reportedly sent by new acting administrator Jason Gray, mentioned concerns about overt resistance to the president’s policy directives.
USAID employees and outside observers are watching closely to see if these moves will permanently hamper America’s role as a major global aid donor.
Meanwhile, supporters of the pause argue that it is reasonable for the administration to assess where and how American tax dollars are used.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE and BREAKING: TRUMP ADMIN CLEANS HOUSE AT U.S. INTERNATIONAL AID AGENCY FOR FAILING TO FOLLOW TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
The Trump administration placed "a number" of @USAID officials (U.S. Agency of International Development) on administrative leave after suspecting… pic.twitter.com/3cbAKCBltH
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) January 28, 2025
Commentary:
When the president issues an executive order, federal workers at agencies such as USAID are bound by their duty to follow it, not to undermine or ignore it.
Those found resisting or attempting to circumvent lawful instructions should be disciplined, fired, or transferred to positions where they are not responsible for carrying out critical policies.
Our nation can only function effectively if government employees obey the chain of command.
Dr. Robert Redfield, the former CDC Director, believes that US taxpayer money from NIH, State Department, USAID, and DOD funded the creation of SARS-CoV-2:
"They wanted a single narrative, and I had a different point of view… Science has debate, and they squashed any debate…… pic.twitter.com/yuIBJ7o6gg
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) March 8, 2023
The Bottom Line:
The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze is part of a larger plan to review overseas spending.
By placing certain officials on leave, the administration aims to ensure its policies are carried out as directed.
The response underscores the ongoing debate over how the U.S. should balance fiscal caution with humanitarian goals.
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