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Reports have indicated that a significant number of senior officials within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave, with sources citing an ongoing investigation into alleged opposition to directives issued by President Donald Trump.
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According to Politico, it has been noted that at least 56 officials were affected by this decision. At the same time, additional reports from the Associated Press suggested that several hundred contractors, based both in Washington and other locations, had also been dismissed.
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These actions came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s executive order, which temporarily suspended all U.S. foreign aid disbursed through USAID and the State Department, was put into effect. Numerous humanitarian, development, and security projects around the world were reportedly impacted by the 90-day suspension, forcing several aid organizations to lay off employees because of budgetary limitations.
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An internal notice reportedly sent to USAID staffers, indicated that Jason Gray, the acting administrator, had identified actions within the agency that were perceived as attempts to circumvent the President’s orders. Consequently, many employees had been placed on administrative leave while further assessments were carried out.
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Although specific details regarding the executive orders in question were not provided, Fox News reported that exceptions had been made for emergency food programs and military aid directed to Israel and Egypt. President Trump has previously expressed criticism of foreign aid policies, advocating for a review to ensure that assistance programs align with American interests while eliminating those deemed unnecessary.
Despite these measures, the United States has remained the largest provider of foreign aid globally, with $72 billion having been distributed in fiscal year 2023. Additionally, it was reported that the U.S. accounted for 42% of all humanitarian assistance tracked by the United Nations in 2024.
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Meanwhile, in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, it was announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had been directed to assist in North Carolina with infrastructure repairs. During a visit to the state, President Trump criticized what he described as delays in the response under the previous administration while pledging that the necessary resources would be allocated to support recovery efforts.
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According to statements made by Trump, efforts were being expedited to repair damaged riverbanks and roads, with instructions reportedly having been given to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers was fully prepared to begin operations.
The Corps, which has been described as an entity with over 37,000 personnel engaged in engineering services across more than 130 countries, has been recognized for its role in maintaining U.S. infrastructure and supporting disaster response efforts under the National Response Framework and the Stafford Act.
During his visit, Trump emphasized that the administration had only recently assumed office, reiterating that assistance would be provided to affected communities without exception. According to Breitbart News, assurances were made that no American would be left without support during the rebuilding process.