The Trump administration will lay off 97% of USAID employees.

The administration of President Donald Trump plans to reduce the staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from 10,000 to 294 employees. Consequently, the cuts will affect 97% of the organization's workforce.

Reuters reports this, citing four sources familiar with the White House's plans.

According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, two-thirds of USAID's 10,000 employees currently work outside the United States. For instance, after layoffs, the agency's African bureau will retain only 12 staff members, while the Asian bureau will have 8, Reuters notes.

Former USAID chief John Brian Atwood stated that mass staff layoffs would effectively dismantle the agency that has helped prevent the deaths of tens of millions of people worldwide.

"Many people will not survive," Atwood warned, calling the Trump administration's actions "outrageous."

Previously, USAID announced that starting February 7, it would place all employees from all offices and missions on administrative leave, except for those responsible for critical functions, as well as staff for specifically designated programs and management.

Before this, the organization's headquarters in Washington closed, and logos and photographs depicting USAID's activities were removed from the building's walls. The agency's website and social media account on platform X were also shut down.

On inauguration day, January 20, Trump signed an order to freeze USAID's international aid programs for 90 days. During this period, a review of these programs is to be conducted.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that USAID's operations need a complete overhaul. "They take taxpayer money and spend it on global charity without considering whether it aligns with national interests. <…> USAID not only does not cooperate but undermines the work we are doing," Rubio noted.

USAID was established in 1961. It focuses on international aid and promoting the development of other countries. The agency’s budget exceeded $50 billion per year. Earlier, CNN sources among Democrats indicated that the president does not have the authority to eliminate an organization funded by Congress.

Background. More on why a program review has long been necessary – in the Mind article "Trump Suspended USAID Projects: A Non-Trivial Look at the Reasons for Resistance and Consequences".