Trump admin recalls USAID staff worldwide amid foreign aid freeze

The Trump administration has ordered U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) direct-hire staffers worldwide to return home within 30 days, according to a notice posted online Tuesday.

Does USAID still exist? 

What we know:

The move follows a sweeping foreign aid freeze imposed by President Donald Trump, which has already led to thousands of USAID job losses and the shutdown of programs worldwide.

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The decision marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. foreign assistance policy in decades, essentially dismantling USAID’s global presence. Staff who remain will be limited to "mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs," the notice stated.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear how ongoing USAID-funded projects will continue in the wake of the staffing exodus. The long-term impact on humanitarian efforts, including global health, disaster relief, and economic development programs, is also uncertain.

In this photo the United States Agency for International Development logo is seen in Virginia, United States on February 21, 2023. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Additionally, the legal standing of the move is likely to be challenged. The American Foreign Service Association, which represents U.S. diplomats, has denounced the decision and is reportedly preparing legal action to counter or halt it.

Big picture view:

USAID, founded in 1961, has been a cornerstone of U.S. global aid efforts. Its withdrawal from international posts comes as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has steadily dismantled the agency, a long-standing target of Trump and conservative lawmakers.

While some USAID staff will remain in place under new restrictions, the sudden shift signals a dramatic pullback in U.S. leadership in global development and humanitarian assistance.

The Source: This report is based on information from the Associated Press and official notices from USAID.

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