USAID places all staff globally on administrative leave from February 7, 2025 

The decision excludes designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.

This follows a recent threat by President Donald Trump to shut down the organization over allegations of corruption.

The organization in a notice on its website added that essential personnel will be notified by its leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm (EST).

According to the notice, USAID is coordinating with the Department of State to prepare a plan for personnel currently posted outside the United States.

“Exceptions to the return travel mandate will be considered on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, dependents’ school terms, medical needs, pregnancy, and other factors.  

“Further guidance on how to request exceptions is expected soon,” the Agency stated.

The decision to place personnel on administrative leave has raised concerns about the potential disruption of USAID’s humanitarian and development programs worldwide.

The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of USAID’s role and effectiveness, with notable criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

On Monday, Elon Musk said President Donald Trump had agreed the USAID needs to be “shut down,” following days of speculation over the future of the agency after its funding was frozen and dozens of its employees were put on leave.

“With regards to the USAID stuff, I went over it with (the president) in detail and he agreed that we should shut it down,” Musk said in an X Spaces conversation.