In a recent “60 Minutes” segment, CBS highlighted individuals affected by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) shutdown, presenting them as employees terminated due to the agency’s closure. However, it has been revealed that the featured individuals, Kristina Drye and Adam Dubard, were not direct USAID employees but consultants contracted through an external firm.
According to their LinkedIn profiles, Drye and Dubard were employed by XLA, a consulting company providing services to USAID. Drye served as a speechwriter and communications analyst supporting the USAID administration team, while Dubard worked as a communications analyst with the Public Engagement team within the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs. Their tenures lasted approximately 2.5 years and under one year, respectively.
During the broadcast, CBS portrayed them as part of the over 8,000 USAID employees sent home following the administration’s decision to dismantle the agency. Drye expressed concerns about the sudden job loss, stating, “People are really scared… 12 days ago, people knew where their next paycheck was coming from… And then, all gone overnight.”
Critics argue that CBS’s portrayal may have misled viewers by not clearly distinguishing between direct employees and external consultants. This distinction is significant, as the employment terms and implications differ between federal employees and contracted consultants.
The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle USAID has led to widespread layoffs and the suspension of numerous foreign aid programs. The move has sparked debate over the future of U.S. foreign assistance and the role of external contractors in government agencies.
As the situation develops, clarity regarding the roles and employment statuses of those affected remains crucial for understanding the full impact of the agency’s closure.