Key Points:

• At least 56 senior officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been placed on leave due to an investigation into actions potentially undermining President Trump's directives.
• The leave follows Trump's executive order imposing a 90-day freeze on most U.S. foreign assistance through the State Department.
• This freeze has severely affected thousands of humanitarian programs worldwide, resulting in widespread layoffs among aid organizations.

In a striking move, the Trump administration has placed about 60 senior officials at the USAID on administrative leave. The decision comes amid an extensive investigation focused on concerns that certain actions within the agency were designed to circumvent the President's recent executive orders. According to an internal memorandum from acting administrator Jason Gray, these employees were identified for engaging in operations that could potentially undermine President Trump’s directives aimed at realigning foreign aid distribution in alignment with the administration's "America First" policy.

Triggered by Trump's executive order issued shortly after his return to office, which initiated a 90-day suspension of most U.S. foreign assistance, this internal review has generated significant repercussions. The directive has halted numerous humanitarian, development, and security initiatives globally. Many U.S.-funded aid organizations have since ceased activities, resulting in substantial layoffs of local and international personnel, a concern echoed by numerous sources (see AP News).

Several senior USAID officials and contractors have reported feeling the brunt of this shakeup. This shake-up raises alarms not just regarding operational disruptions within USAID but also concerns regarding national and global welfare initiatives dependent on U.S. foreign aid. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that employees across various USAID divisions, including those focused on energy security and education, make up a significant portion of the staff being put on leave. Reuters confirmed these developments, highlighting the scale of the potential fallout.

As the freeze halts critical funding, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has notably exempted only emergency food programs and military assistance to Israel and Egypt from this suspension, prompting ongoing discussions around U.S. priorities in foreign aid. Many officials, including former USAID members, have voiced their concerns regarding the administrative suspension's potential impact on U.S. engagement in international humanitarian efforts. Critics argue that the freeze could undermine U.S. credibility in foreign assistance and jeopardize essential services that aid vulnerable populations worldwide. “This decision threatens to dismantle an entire agency and could embolden adversaries,” remarked former USAID officials, reflecting the deep concern shared by many regarding the systemic implications of this action.

As the internal investigation unfolds, no definitive timeline has been established regarding its completion or the future of the employees involved. The wider implications for U.S. foreign aid strategies and the future of USAID remain to be seen.

For more details on the situation, visit Time and CBS News.