Over 50 Senior USAID Officials Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Agency Shakeup

The move, affecting top leaders and attorneys, follows allegations of attempts to circumvent presidential directives, sources say.

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In a significant shakeup at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), more than 50 career civil servants and foreign service officers were placed on administrative leave Monday, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the decision. The action, which affects senior officials across various bureaus, has notably impacted senior attorneys within the agency.

Sources familiar with the situation, including two former USAID officials and a current agency official, confirmed the move to NBC News. USAID employees were informed of the decision late Monday afternoon.

The administrative leave was enacted in response to concerns over actions allegedly aimed at circumventing President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders and broader directives from the White House. Acting USAID Administrator Jason Gray communicated the decision to employees in an email obtained by NBC News. “We have identified several actions within USAID that appear to be designed to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people,” Gray wrote. "As a result, we have placed a number of USAID employees on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice while we complete our analysis of these actions."

USAID has not yet responded to requests for additional comments.

USAID, an independent federal agency, plays a key role in coordinating U.S. foreign aid and humanitarian assistance. Its mission spans providing emergency relief, promoting global health, advancing environmental sustainability, and fostering educational development worldwide. Despite its autonomy, USAID operates under the policy guidance of the U.S. Secretary of State.

Jeremy Konyndyk, a former USAID official and now president of Refugees International, criticized the administration’s decision, calling it a misunderstanding of the agency’s role. "Career staff at USAID are dedicated to translating political directives into actionable development policies," Konyndyk said. "This sweeping action appears aimed at intimidating the agency's workforce, creating a climate of fear."

Konyndyk further described the move as a "destroying the village to save it" approach, suggesting that the intent was to instill control by targeting the agency’s core staff.

The decision to place USAID officials on leave comes amid broader restructuring efforts by the Trump administration. Last week, the administration froze nearly all U.S. foreign assistance, citing the need for a 90-day review to assess the efficiency and alignment of foreign aid programs with U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, President Trump has implemented a series of controversial moves, including the abrupt firing of 18 inspectors general, the removal of national security staff, and plans to restructure various government agencies.

USAID's operations are under increased scrutiny as the administration pushes forward with its policy agenda, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the agency's ability to carry out its mission effectively.