In a dramatic turn of events, the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has led to emotional scenes at the agency’s Washington headquarters. As USAID workers returned to clear out their desks, applause filled the lobby as colleagues bid farewell to their decades-long careers in public service. The abrupt firings and administrative leaves have left employees devastated, with some expressing their shock at the sudden turn of events.

Former USAID administrators Samantha Power and Gayle Smith rallied in support of their colleagues, denouncing the administration’s actions as a stark departure from USAID’s mission of upholding human dignity. The administration’s hasty approach, labeled by Power as “shock and awe,” has blindsided employees and supporters alike, leaving little room for recourse.

The administration’s accusations of criminality and radical ideologies among USAID employees have further fueled the turmoil, leading to canceled contracts and legal battles. Concerns have been raised by aid groups and advocates about the potential loss of life in global humanitarian crisis zones due to the agency’s dismantling.

As the saga unfolds in the courts, Smith reflects on the broader implications of these actions on public service and foreign policy, warning against the shortsightedness of severing vital institutions without due consideration. The uncertain future of USAID hangs in the balance, with implications stretching far beyond the walls of its now-vacant headquarters.