Dozens of USAID employees were forced to clear out their offices following a wave of mass layoffs, with some former staffers expressing outrage over what they described as an unjust termination process. The dismissals come as part of a broader restructuring effort within the agency, which oversees U.S. foreign aid programs.
Several employees, visibly emotional as they left the building, claimed they were fired unfairly, with some arguing that the process lacked transparency. One former staff member insisted the layoffs were “illegal,” though USAID has maintained that the workforce reductions were conducted in accordance with standard procedures.
The agency’s leadership has defended the decision, stating that the layoffs are part of an effort to realign priorities and streamline operations. Officials argue that restructuring is necessary to ensure efficiency and accountability in how taxpayer-funded foreign aid is managed.
Critics of the move, however, warn that cutting personnel could impact USAID’s ability to carry out critical programs in developing nations. With former employees speaking out and legal challenges potentially looming, the fallout from the mass dismissals is expected to continue in the coming weeks.