Trump Orders USAID Staff Leave Amid Fraud Allegations

President Trump has ordered almost all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees to be placed on administrative leave, citing reckless spending and fraud as reasons for the decision. The directive mandates that all international staff return to the U.S. within 30 days unless deemed essential, with exceptions for personal hardships. This move follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's halt on new funding authorizations and the abrupt closure of USAID's Washington offices. Criticism has arisen from both Democratic lawmakers, who label the decision illegal, and some Republicans, as it disrupts USAID's global aid role. The American Foreign Service Association is preparing legal action against the decision, which could incur significant travel and relocation costs. The action is part of broader budget-slashing efforts overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.