This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
It's been called, by President Donald Trump's government efficiency chief, Elon Musk, a "criminal organization" that must "die," and now it appears that process is under way.
USAID has confirmed in a statement posted online that nearly all of its employees are on leave as of Friday night. Thousands of people are affected, and only those in "mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs" are exempted.
Trump and Musk earlier announced that the organization likely will end up being discontinued as a separate bureaucracy, and its duties will be rolled into those of the State Department.
It has been exposed under the Trump administration as a leftist organization giving American tax money, without accountability, to far-left agendas around the world.
The USAID statement says, "On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) 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. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST)."
A report at RedState explains the move is part of Trump's efforts to remove fraud, waste, abuse and more from the nation's spending system.
USAID has been targeted now by Trump's Department of Government Efficiency.
The report said, "News of the department placing the entirety of its staff on leave, with the exception of essential personnel, comes following an order to shut down all overseas missions and recall staff by the same deadline. Deputy administrator for the agency, Pete Marocco, said USAID had until Friday to recall all overseas employees. Those who were not successfully returned by that deadline were to be 'evacuated' by the United States military."
The report noted the virulent opposition coming from Democrats, but explained, "You know you're on the right path when Democrats are actively losing their minds over what amounts to their party's personal slush fund being eradicated. Over 96 percent of donations coming from USAID go to Democrats and Democrat causes, and a mere 4 percent to Republicans, according to a Heritage Foundation report from 2023."
