1. What is the United States Agency for International Development?
2. List of United States Agency for International Development Firings
   1. Various Employees
   2. Paul K. Martin

What is the United States Agency for International Development?

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the primary U.S. government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance around the world. It was established in 1961 by an executive order from President John F. Kennedy to support America’s foreign policy goals by promoting global stability, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance. USAID operates (or rather, operated) in over 100 countries, working to reduce poverty, promote democratic governance, and respond to natural disasters and health crises.

USAID’s work includes a wide range of programs such as improving access to education and healthcare, supporting agricultural development, advancing women’s rights, and helping countries strengthen their infrastructure. In emergency situations—like famines, earthquakes, or disease outbreaks—USAID often provides life-saving food, shelter, and medical aid. It also plays a critical role in helping countries recover and rebuild after conflicts or disasters.

The agency works closely with local governments, nonprofits, private companies, and international organizations to implement its programs. USAID is funded by the U.S. Congress and operates under the direction of the President and the Secretary of State. While its work is humanitarian in nature, it is also viewed as a strategic tool for promoting peace, preventing conflict, and protecting U.S. national interests abroad by building more stable and prosperous societies.

TL;DR: The United States Agency for International Development is a U.S. government agency that gives money, help, and support to other countries to fight poverty, deal with disasters, and make the world more stable and safe.

List of United States Agency for International Development Firings

Below is a list of United States Agency for International Development personnel that have been fired by President Donald Trump or the Trump Administration, sorted by most recent:

Various Employees

Approximately 6,300 Employees – U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Firings on February 23, 2025

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is undergoing a major restructuring that includes widespread layoffs and the planned absorption of the agency into the State Department. As part of this process, thousands of USAID employees—both in the U.S. and abroad—have been placed on leave or notified of termination. The change follows a federal judge’s decision to allow the administration to move forward with the reduction, and at least 1,600 U.S.-based staff have been informed they are being let go. The transition is part of a broader effort by the administration to streamline federal agencies and align foreign aid efforts with national priorities.

According to official notices, USAID’s remaining functions will be transferred to the State Department by July 1, with full integration expected by early September. The move is being framed as a way to manage taxpayer dollars more efficiently and ensure foreign aid supports U.S. strategic goals. The administration has stated that the independent operation of USAID is no longer necessary, and remaining duties will be taken over by the State Department, following consultations with Congress.

TL;DR: The U.S. is shutting down its foreign aid agency, USAID, firing thousands of workers and moving its work to the State Department to reportedly save money and focus more on U.S. interests.

Paul K. Martin

Inspector General – U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Fired on February 11, 2025

Paul Martin, a longtime government official with a background in law and journalism, served as the Inspector General for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) before being dismissed by the Trump administration in February 2025. His firing came just one day after his office released a report warning that recent decisions to suspend foreign aid programs and reduce USAID staff had effectively rendered the agency’s oversight and operations “largely nonoperational,” putting billions in humanitarian assistance at risk.

Martin had previously served in senior roles at the Department of Justice and NASA before joining USAID. His office highlighted in its final report that sweeping staffing cuts and halted communications with contractors had seriously compromised USAID’s ability to manage and safeguard taxpayer-funded programs. The administration did not provide a required 30-day notice to Congress before his termination, nor was a formal explanation given.

TL;DR: USAID watchdog Paul Martin was fired by Trump right after warning that cutting staff and aid programs had made it nearly impossible to manage billions in humanitarian help.