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The Trump administration Monday plunged the global aid sector into uncertainty by placing nearly 60 senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave. This action, part of a sweeping freeze on U.S. foreign aid, has sent shockwaves through development organizations worldwide, including in Africa, where millions depend on these programs for basic necessities like healthcare, education, and clean water.
The decision follows President Trump’s directive to reassess all foreign assistance under his “America First” policy. An internal USAID memo cited alleged efforts within the agency to bypass presidential directives as justification for the suspensions. Acting Administrator Jason Gray stated in the memo, “Until we complete a thorough review of these actions, affected employees will remain on administrative leave with full pay and benefits.”
The United States has long been a cornerstone of global development, disbursing $72 billion in aid in 2023 alone, and providing 42% of all humanitarian assistance tracked by the United Nations in 2024. USAID programs have been instrumental in combating health crises, bolstering education, and improving access to essential resources in regions like Africa.
The halt in funding, however, threatens to disrupt these life-saving interventions. For countries reliant on U.S. support, such as Kenya, the freeze poses a serious challenge. USAID-funded initiatives have played a vital role in addressing HIV/AIDS, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and advancing access to education for underserved communities.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, Tuesday, January 28, 2025 instructed state departments to evaluate the potential impact of the aid suspension on the country’s healthcare programs.
“USAID has been a key partner in advancing our health agenda,” Barasa said during a press briefing. “I have directed various programs and departments to assess the financial and human resource implications of this disruption so we can chart a way forward.”
She expressed optimism that the Kenyan government would find alternative solutions to safeguard critical services. “We will present a comprehensive intervention plan to the Cabinet and His Excellency the President to ensure continuity in our programs,” she added.
The administrative leave affected senior career staff in nearly all USAID Washington bureaus, including those overseeing energy security, digital technology, and children’s education. Legal advisors from the agency’s general counsel’s office were also targeted, signaling a broad restructuring of leadership.
“This is being called the Monday afternoon massacre,” said Francisco Bencosme, a former USAID policy lead. “It’s demoralizing to see public servants, who have served under multiple administrations, being sidelined. Instead of tackling global adversaries, the administration is targeting its own people.”
The Trump administration’s move to freeze aid spending follows a broader agenda to reshape U.S. foreign policy. A 90-day review is underway to ensure foreign assistance aligns with Trump’s strategic priorities. Meanwhile, a stop-work order issued last week halted most aid projects globally, except for emergency food relief. Further waivers, which require high-level approval, remain rare.
Critics argue that this disruption not only undermines U.S. global leadership but also emboldens adversaries like China and Russia, who are expanding their influence in Africa through development partnerships.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the U.S. to reconsider its stance, warning of widespread consequences for vulnerable populations. “If this is not reversed, it will devastate U.S. foreign aid and destabilize regions reliant on its support,” he said.
Former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk echoed these concerns, highlighting the long-term damage to America’s development legacy. “This is not just a policy shift; it’s an existential threat to USAID’s mission,” he stated.
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