Devex, a global development outlet is reporting that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reportedly sent out an email to all personnel telling them its headquarters at the Ronald Reagan building in Washington, D.C would close on Monday.
The development comes amid speculation that the new administration under President Donald Trump plans to quickly move USAID under State Department control.
Data shows that in fiscal year 2023, USAID’s budget was over $40 billion, with a workforce of more than 10,000—about two-thirds of whom work overseas. The agency works with more than 4,000 organizations in over 100 countries.
Also read: USAID May Never Be The Same Again: Project 2025 Offers Insights
The U.S. is by far the world’s largest provider of humanitarian aid, with USAID administering billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security assistance in more than 100 countries. However, sources indicate that the U.S. spends less than 1 percent of its budget on foreign assistance, a smaller share overall than some other countries.
USAID is one of the federal agencies targeted by Trump’s crackdown on the federal government and its programs.
An email seen by Devex (not independently verified by MedicoPRESS) stated that most USAID headquarters staff would work remotely soon after the move. Only essential on-site personnel and building maintenance staff, who will be contacted directly by leadership, are expected to report in person.
So far, over the weekend, the agency’s website went offline, and its X account was removed.
Elon Musk called for USAID’s closure, labeling it a “criminal organization” and claiming the government is working to shut it down. The billionaire is leading Trump’s efforts to shrink the government under the Department of Government Efficiency, or known as DOGE.
There is a global outcry, especially in low- and middle-income countries, over disruption of life-saving programs.
