Trump Admin slashes USAID staff from 10,000 to 294

The Trump administration plans to keep fewer than 300 staff at USAID out of more than 10,000 worldwide.

USAID has been targeted for reorganisation under a program led by Elon Musk, a close Trump ally.

Only 294 staff will keep their jobs, according to four sources who told Reuters.

Dozens of staff have been put on leave, and hundreds of contractors have been laid off.

Programs worldwide have been left in limbo as the administration recalls thousands of overseas personnel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said some programs would be exempt from stop-work orders.

USAID managed over $US40 billion in 2023, with two-thirds of its staff working outside the US, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

Some employees have already received termination notices, sources said on Thursday.

As of Friday, most USAID staff will be placed on administrative leave, except for essential personnel.

The agency provided aid to 130 countries in 2023, with Ukraine receiving the most, followed by Ethiopia, Jordan, and others.