The USAID website has been broken for days — but on Tuesday night, it was rebooted for what seems like the final time. White screen, black text, USAID logo, and a message that states nearly all USAID direct hires will be placed on administrative leave on Friday, Feb. 7.
“All USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs,” the website reads. “Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm.”
It’s the final gutting of the U.S. aid agency that two weeks ago employed more than 10,000 people across the world. In fiscal year 2023, USAID spent $40 billion across more than 130 countries, a sum that totaled less than 1% of America’s federal budget. It fed tens of millions of people, responded to disasters and conflicts, and provided millions more with critical health care, economic support, and more.
About the author
Elissa Miolene
Elissa Miolene reports on USAID and the U.S. government at Devex. She previously covered education at The San Jose Mercury News, and has written for outlets like The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Washingtonian magazine, among others. Before shifting to journalism, Elissa led communications for humanitarian agencies in the United States, East Africa, and South Asia.
