The Trump administration is set to eliminate all USAID (United States Agency for International Development) overseas positions worldwide by 30 September, transferring control of foreign aid operations directly to the State Department. This decision, outlined in a state department cable obtained by the Guardian, will impact thousands of USAID staff across more than 100 countries, including foreign service officers, contractors, and locally employed personnel. The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to streamline procedures and consolidate foreign assistance programs under the State Department’s purview starting from 15 June.

The move to abolish USAID’s international workforce follows previous actions by the Trump administration, which eliminated 83% of USAID’s programs shortly after taking office. Rubio announced the termination of 5,200 programs out of 6,200, with the remaining initiatives being integrated into the State Department. This restructuring effort was triggered by an executive order freezing foreign assistance pending review, leading to the closure of USAID’s website and the dismissal of leadership and senior staff.

Despite warnings from senior officials about the dire consequences of the cuts, including untreated malnutrition in children and increased mortality from diseases like malaria and polio, the decision to dismantle USAID overseas positions proceeded. The remaining agency officials were instructed to destroy classified documents using shredders and “burn bags” as part of the transition process. This significant restructuring marks a pivotal moment in the administration’s approach to foreign aid and international development efforts.