(TheIndependentStar.com) – Starting this Friday night, President Trump’s stunning overhaul of a federal agency will put thousands of employees on leave and recall overseas staff.
The president’s decisive action is part of his efforts to drain the swamp and will affect the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
This bold move targets an agency long criticized for wasteful spending and inefficiency, signaling an end to taxpayer-funded foreign aid to liberal pet projects.
This decision affects thousands of USAID workers, both domestically and abroad, as the agency faces a dismantling under the watchful eye of President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.
The leave begins at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 7. Only those involved in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs” are exempt from the order.
This move effectively shuts down USAID’s operations worldwide, including its Washington headquarters.
USAID, which has a $40 billion budget and oversees foreign aid, disaster relief, and international development programs, has long been criticized.
President Trump has labeled the agency as “corrupt” and confirmed plans to wind it down.
The agency’s work spans over 100 countries, and it provides humanitarian aid, including disaster relief, health and medical assistance, and emergency food programs.
However, critics argue that much of this funding often ends up in the wrong hands or supports initiatives that do not align with American interests.
As part of the restructuring, USAID employees posted outside the U.S. will have their return travel to the States arranged and paid for within 30 days.
This recall affects approximately two-thirds of USAID’s 10,000-strong workforce, who serve in over 60 country and regional missions.
With Musk’s support, the Trump administration is targeting USAID as part of a broader effort to reduce the size of the federal government and redirect resources to domestic priorities.
Musk has been particularly vocal about the agency’s future, stating that it is “beyond repair” and should be shut down entirely.
While Democrats and some foreign policy experts criticize the move, millions of concerned citizens applaud the administration’s efforts to streamline government operations and prioritize American interests.
The merger of USAID into the State Department could lead to more efficient and focused foreign aid distribution, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in line with America’s strategic objectives.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that President Trump is committed to his promise of draining the swamp and putting America First.
The restructuring of USAID may well be the first step in a larger overhaul of how the United States conducts its foreign aid and international development programs.
The move will ultimately benefit American taxpayers and ensure that the nation’s resources are used to maximum effect both at home and abroad.
Copyright 2025, TheIndependentStar.com
