United States President Donald Trump’s administration is firing the remaining staff of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
In a memo distributed on Friday, March 28, 2025, to USAID employees, Jeremy Lewin, the agency’s new deputy director and a former official from the Department of Government Efficiency, stated that the State Department plans to take over many of USAID’s functions and its ongoing programs.
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This came after a federal appeals court on Friday lifted an order that was blocking Elon Musk’s Department from further cuts at the agency.
Consequently, the Trump administration is expected to shut down USAID, affecting many jobs and programs.
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Trump Fires Remaining USAID Staff
The memos were emailed to the employees within minutes of the announcement from Jeremy Lewin.
Lewin is a senior official at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, who took a role at the U.S Agency for International Development.
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Alongside other members of the DOGE, Lewin has played a leading role in cutting USAID staff.
As per the memo, most of the USAID employees are expected to be rendered jobless on either July 1 or September 2.
In another notice, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration notified the Congress of plans to cut most of USAID programs and move surviving functions under the State Department.
Reasons for Firing
“This transfer will significantly enhance efficiency, accountability, uniformity, and strategic impact in delivering foreign assistance programs- allowing our nation and President to speak with one voice in foreign affairs,” read part of the memo.
According to the memo, the administration will weigh its options on whether to rehire some of the USAID officials to aid in the remaining strategic programs.
Also Read: Trump Terminates USAID Grants and Contracts in Kenya and Other Countries
Court Ruling
On Friday 28, 2025, a federal court lifted the block for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to push forward their plan to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The Court ruled that although the actions of the State Department may be unconventional, they do not necessarily violate the Constitution.
Also Read: USAID Explains Employees Who Will Be Spared in Mass Firings Worldwide
USAID’s funding cuts in Trump’s first three months in office have already sent shockwaves across the globe. Employees working in various programs formerly sponsored by the agency have already dercied loss of their jobs. In addition, multiple programs in countries across the world risk being terminated.
In Kenya, officials from the ministry of health have assured that all USAID programs Will continue amid concerns.
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