An official at the federal foreign aid agency, USAID, was placed on leave after criticizing the Trump administration’s layoffs, cuts, and funding obstacles, warning that these actions would lead to preventable deaths and threats to U.S. security. The official, Nick Enrich, expressed concern that the agency had not implemented lifesaving humanitarian assistance under a temporary waiver to the pause on foreign aid issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Enrich alleged significant damage was being done due to obstacles created by political leadership in USAID, the State Department, and DOGE. He highlighted that guidance regarding approval for life-saving activities had been contradictory, and funds for approved activities had not been disbursed. Enrich also noted that numerous awards for lifesaving humanitarian assistance had been terminated, leading to unknown consequences.
The Trump administration’s cancellation of $60 billion in USAID funding and plans to cut contracts had already begun to impact global programs, affecting biosecurity, food supplies, and vaccine distribution. USAID workers expressed concern that these cuts were undermining the agency’s mission to save lives, reduce poverty, and help in humanitarian crises. Trump and Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency, have prioritized cuts to USAID, citing wasteful spending and a liberal agenda. Enrich’s leave and the impact of these cuts underline the challenges faced by USAID in fulfilling its humanitarian mandate amidst political pressures and funding constraints.
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