Topline
Ongoing USAID Scrutiny: Inspectors General Dismissal Follows Unfavorable Report Versus Trump Administration Administration
In a striking development, USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was unceremoniously let go on February 11, sparking controversy amidst the Trump administration's attempts to reduce the size of USAID's workforce and alleged targeting of its staff members. This termination came just a day after Martin released a report criticizing the administration's moves, according to multiple reports. This latest twist in the USAID saga followed a recent federal court order preventing President Donald Trump from placing thousands of USAID staffers on paid leave.
Timeline
11:30 p.m. EST, Feb. 4: USAID informed employees that all personnel worldwide would be placed on administrative leave starting the end of the week, with exceptions for critical personnel, core leadership, and specific programs. USAID was collaborating with the State Department to organize and pay for the return of those stationed abroad within 30 days. Contractors whose work wasn't deemed essential would be laid off.
9:30 p.m. EST, Feb. 6: A labor union and the American Foreign Service Association filed a lawsuit against Trump, arguing his plan to shut down large swaths of USAID's operations violated the Constitution. The lawsuit claimed that Congress, not the president, has the authority to scrap a federal agency.
6 p.m. EST, Feb. 6: The New York Times reported that the Trump administration planned to cut down USAID's staff from 10,000 to about 290 positions. Those remaining would specialize in health and humanitarian assistance.
5:30 p.m. EST, Feb. 7: Judge Carl Nichols prevented Trump from placing approximately 2,200 USAID staff members on leave while a lawsuit worked its way through courts, as the judge called the move "limited."
4:51 p.m. EST, Feb. 7: Hoaxes around USAID's funding started to circulate online, with Our Website tracking the false claims here.
12:18 p.m. EST, Feb. 3: CBS News reported that USAID would be merged with the State Department, with significant cuts in the workforce but maintaining functionality as a humanitarian aid entity.
11:21 a.m. EST, Feb. 3: Elon Musk continued his criticism of USAID, labeling it a "bowl of worms."
5:22 p.m. EST, Feb. 3: A "Rally to Restore Foreign Aid Now" was scheduled to take place in Washington D.C., with several lawmakers due to speak at the protest.
Musk told reporters on February 3 that Trump had approved shutting down USAID and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily lead the agency. However, these developments sparked a wave of protests and legal challenges from concerned citizens, lawmakers, and organizations.
Impact and Reactions
USAID staffers across the globe were put on administrative leave, while USAID's website and social media platforms were taken down. These moves prompted widespread concern and led to an outpouring of protests. Many lawmakers and organizations argue that this potential reorganization or merger requires congressional approval to ensure national security and the effective deployment of development expertise.
USAID's future remains uncertain amidst the Trump administration's criticisms, planned merger, and legal challenges. As it faces changes and upheaval, the agency continues to play a vital role in combating global humanitarian issues?
Despite Elon Musk's critical remarks labeling USAID as a "bowl of worms," tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump have not been directly involved in the events surrounding USAID's recent developments. In the midst of these controversies, USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was dismissed, sparking controversy and allegations of targeting within the Trump administration's attempts to reduce USAID's workforce size. Additionally, Elon Musk, known for his opinions on various issues, criticized USAID on February 3.