USAID Staff Return to Headquarters Amidst Agency's Closure under Trump

On February 27, 2025, supporters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) gathered with banners as employees returned to the Washington D.C. headquarters to collect personal items.

Amid the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID, the agency's main offices had been shut down for weeks. This past Thursday, remaining staff were allowed brief access to their workspaces to gather personal belongings.

As USAID employees descended from the elevators in the Ronald Reagan Building, applause erupted in the lobby, greeting those laden with mementos from a career in public service.

Personnel instructed to attend had scheduled slots to enter the now-closed headquarters, receiving just 15 minutes to clean out their workspaces.

Former USAID leaders Samantha Power and Gayle Smith made appearances to lend moral support to their former colleagues during these challenging circumstances.

"The current events starkly contrast with USAID's core mission," said Power. "Our purpose is to uplift human dignity, not undermine it at every chance."

Having led the agency during President Joe Biden's term, Power criticized the Trump administration's rapid actions—a strategic "shock and awe"—that left little opportunity for court interventions or congressional response.

"Observing my former colleagues leave with personal effects, some of whom have dedicated three decades to the agency, is heart-wrenching," Power shared with NPR, noting the emotional toll.

Most staff members, concerned about possible repercussions, opted to remain unnamed. One individual, who arrived in the United States as a refugee, joined USAID to give back to the country.

Another employee with over a decade in the Africa bureau expressed disbelief over her unexpected dismissal in such a manner.

Trump officials accused the agency's workforce of misconduct, with dismissive rhetoric.

Following a review, the administration has terminated current USAID agreements, claiming a focus on ensuring American aid furthers national security and prosperity. However, payments for completed contracts have been frozen, leading to court disputes. Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily halted the lower court's directives.

Humanitarian groups warn that shrinking USAID—once a vital player in over 120 nations combating disease and poverty—will elevate risks in areas facing severe humanitarian needs.

Monitoring ongoing litigation, Gayle Smith, who led USAID under President Barack Obama, remains cautious, stating, "We await the Supreme Court's stance. Whether they allow the U.S. government to evade its obligations remains to be seen."

Smith shared concerns that such dismantling could discourage young people from considering careers in public service.

"From a diplomatic perspective, this is illogical," remarked Smith. "Eliminating critical components of governance offers no assurances things will function without them."