The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on Wednesday that nearly all of its 10,000 employees will be placed on administrative leave starting at midnight Friday, except for those deemed essential.
The decision follows the Trump administration’s move to freeze foreign aid and dismantle the agency, a step that has sparked concern among lawmakers and international aid organizations.
USAID plays a key role in global humanitarian efforts, and the freeze could impact aid programs worldwide. The administration has defended the move as part of broader efforts to reassess U.S. foreign assistance.