Trump Administration Urges USAID Workers to Align with ‘America First’ Policy

By Humeyra Pamuk, Maggie Michael and Lena Masri

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Trump administration prompted U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) personnel to aid in reshaping global aid allocation in accordance with Trump’s “America First” policy. Staff were warned of potential “disciplinary action” for non-compliance with the administration’s directives.

A memo dispatched to over 10,000 USAID employees elaborated on the previous day’s directive, instituting a broad suspension of U.S. foreign aid. This memo, verified by Reuters, outlined responsibilities for achieving the administration’s objectives.

> “We have a responsibility to support the President in achieving his vision,” wrote Ken Jackson, assistant to the administrator for management and resources, in an internal memo titled “Message and Expectation to the Workforce.”

The memo stated, “The President has given us a tremendous opportunity to transform the way we approach foreign assistance for decades to come.”

Since entering office, Trump has initiated efforts to overhaul a federal system he perceives as antagonistic, resulting in the reassignment or termination of numerous federal workers across various agencies.

Shortly after his inauguration, Trump mandated a 90-day suspension of foreign aid to ensure alignment with his foreign policy agenda. Subsequently, a stop-work order was issued, affecting existing and appropriated assistance, which raises concerns regarding billions of dollars in critical aid.

As the largest single donor of global aid, the U.S. allocated $72 billion in assistance during fiscal year 2023.

USAID and the White House National Security Council (NSC) did not immediately comment on the story.

The recent memo stunned humanitarian organizations and development groups worldwide. Despite its extensive implications, uncertainties remain about implementation.

The memo clarified that the cessation of foreign aid signifies “a complete halt,” with exceptions allowed only for emergency humanitarian food assistance and for governmental officials returning to their duty stations. Waivers for delivering emergency food during the evaluation period necessitate comprehensive rationale.

Furthermore, waiver requests must be approved by both USAID leadership and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and thoroughly justified to demonstrate necessity for lifesaving purposes or critical national security concerns.

All foreign assistance programs will undergo a “comprehensive review” amid the spending pause, which emphasizes an end to standard operations.

This directive also prohibits any external communications, including between USAID and the State Department, without prior approval.

> “Failure to abide by this directive, or any of the directives sent out earlier this week and in the coming weeks, will result in disciplinary action,” the memo warned.

In a separate notice, USAID instructed contractors to “immediately issue stop-work orders” and to either “amend or suspend existing awards.”

Humanitarian organizations and other donors are urgently seeking clarity on how these directives will influence life-saving initiatives worldwide. The specific impact on services remains uncertain as of now.

In 2024, the U.S. provided 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.