Washington, DC [US] — Workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were allowed to briefly re-enter their headquarters in Washington on Thursday to collect personal belongings following layoffs announced by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), ABC News reported. Many employees expressed feelings of disheartenment in light of the job cuts.
Reports indicate that under the Trump administration, more than 90% of USAID’s foreign contracts may be eliminated alongside a proposed reduction of $60 billion in global aid, The Hill reported. As laid-off employees exited the headquarters, they were cheered by family, friends, and supporters gathered outside.
In addition to layoffs, an order has been issued to halt all federal aid payments. Most USAID officials have either been placed on administrative leave or terminated.
“Amanda,” who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution, said, “The more I talk about it, the more I want to cry.” As she awaited her turn to enter the building, she added, “It’s heartbreaking,” according to ABC News.
Another employee, “Melissa,” also declined to share her last name and stated, “It feels profoundly disrespectful to workers who are dedicating themselves to making things better globally.” She previously worked on democracy programs in Ukraine and anti-corruption initiatives, emphasizing the personal toll of the layoffs: “We have kids to take care of, we have parents to look after.”
Caitlin Harwood, a mother of two young children, expressed concern over her next paycheck: “I don’t think anybody would have been as terrified as they are now if they had come through and said we are going to have a program review.” She highlighted the broader implications of these cuts, suggesting that they were not just about efficiency but also a significant waste of resources.
Ben Thompson, who had worked in communications at USAID, noted a “communications freeze” since the onset of the Trump administration. He criticized the layoffs, stating, “Powerful, evil men are targeting a lot of good people who have dedicated their lives to something bigger than themselves.”
As supporters gathered outside, black tape was used to cover the USAID name on signs at the Ronald Reagan Building. Kate Parsons, recently laid off from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, removed the tape in a show of solidarity. “Only Congress can shut down USAID — it’s a government agency,” she remarked. “This fight is not done yet.”
Agencies
