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A recent court order mandated the reinstatement of USAID employees who had been placed on adminstrative leave, further complicating the agency’s already strained situation. Adding to the confusion, USAID’s Deputy Administrator, Pete Marocco, has released conflicting statements regarding the status and benefits of employees who have chosen to remain overseas. This lack of clarity has fueled anxiety and speculation among staff, who are struggling to understand the implications for their careers and families.

The controversy extends beyond employee concerns. The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees have jointly challenged the administration’s actions, arguing that President Trump lacks the authority to effectively shut down USAID without explicit approval from Congress. This legal challenge underscores the deep divisions surrounding the agency’s future and raises questions about the administration’s legal justification for its actions.

The sudden policy shifts and legal battles have had a significant impact on the lives of USAID employees and their families. Beyond the immediate disruption to their careers, these changes have also cast a shadow over the critical programs they manage around the world. The long-term consequences for USAID’s mission and global development efforts are already evident and will only get worse.

Read the Politico article here.