The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a sweeping decision to place all its staff worldwide on administrative leave, effective Friday. The move, which will also see all American citizens working with USAID recalled from overseas assignments, signals a major shift in U.S. humanitarian and foreign aid strategy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to a statement posted on USAID’s official website, the leave directive will apply to all direct-hire personnel, except those designated for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially approved programs. USAID leadership is expected to notify essential personnel by Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM (EST).
The decision is anticipated to have a far-reaching impact, particularly in Kenya, where over 35,000 employees working on USAID-funded programs may be affected. USAID currently funds health and emergency response initiatives in approximately 120 countries, focusing on some of the world’s most vulnerable regions as part of the United States’ global strategic influence.
For USAID personnel posted outside the U.S., the agency is working with missions and the Department of State to facilitate their return home. USAID has pledged to arrange and cover travel expenses within 30 days while allowing for case-by-case exceptions. Considerations for exemptions include personal or family hardships, mobility or safety concerns, and educational or medical needs.
Funding Freeze for Kenya-Led Mission in Haiti
Simultaneously, the U.S. government has halted more than $13 million (Sh1.7 billion) in funding for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission in Haiti. The unexpected freeze, confirmed by United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Tuesday, has caught many off guard, including Kenyan officials.
“The U.S. had committed $15 million to the trust fund; $1.7 million of that had already been spent, so $13.3 million is now frozen,” Dujarric told reporters, adding that Washington had issued an immediate stop-work order regarding its contribution.
Despite being approved by the UN Security Council, the mission is not a United Nations operation and relies on voluntary funding. To date, about 900 police officers and troops from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize have been deployed to Haiti, yet progress in stabilizing the country remains limited.
The dual developments underscore a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid and security funding priorities, raising concerns about the future of critical humanitarian and peacekeeping initiatives worldwide.
