USAID Closure Ordered, Thousands of Staff Recalled Worldwide

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been ordered to shut down as part of the Trump administration's initiative to merge it with the State Department, prompting the recall of thousands of employees worldwide. Peter Marocco, appointed by Trump, notified staff that they and their families should return to the U.S. by Friday, though this deadline may change. In the meantime, USAID employees have been placed on administrative leave, barred from entering agency buildings, and required to remain available by phone and email. This move follows a broader effort to dismantle USAID, with allegations of the agency's abuses influencing the administration's decision. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support for Musk's involvement in the agency's downsizing while raising concerns about the legality of executive shutdowns of government agencies. The shutdown could significantly impact humanitarian aid programs that rely on USAID's funding and support.