U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s recent actions regarding personnel at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The administration has placed thousands of federal employees on leave and is moving to terminate 1,600 others. This decision comes as part of a broader effort led by Elon Musk to dismantle USAID and halt foreign assistance programs, which Shaheen claims violates the law.
Shaheen stated, “I am deeply troubled by the dismissal of thousands of federal workers at USAID without cause, which was done without consultation with Congress on the ‘reorganization’ of the agency.” She emphasized that these dismissals have already hindered the execution of approved foreign assistance programs. Further terminations could severely impact the delivery of life-saving aid.
She added that this “abrupt and sweeping dismissal” undermines years of service by dedicated public servants at USAID. According to Shaheen, such actions not only erode U.S. leadership but also jeopardize lives and create opportunities for competitors and adversaries.
