The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that almost all direct hires worldwide will be placed on administrative leave, with exceptions for mission-critical personnel. The move comes after attacks by the Trump administration, including a freeze on foreign aid funding. USAID, with over 10,000 direct hires and contractors, delivers billions in humanitarian aid to over 100 countries. The decision to place workers on leave has been condemned by the American Foreign Service Association and has sparked outrage among lawmakers. President Kennedy established USAID in 1961 through an executive order, and it became an independent entity under the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998. The Trump administration, including Elon Musk, expressed intentions to abolish USAID. Experts warn that eliminating USAID would weaken U.S. influence in South America and Africa, allowing Russia and China to exert more influence in other nations. Congressional action would be required to abolish USAID, as Trump does not have the authority to do so. The agency manages over $40 billion in appropriations to various countries, with top recipients including Ukraine, Somalia, Ethiopia, Jordan, and Congo. The abrupt move to place workers on leave has raised concerns about the impact on international aid efforts and global influence.
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