Story perspectives

Trump Moves to Dismantle USAID, Critics Call It Vindictive

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is directing hiring to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and exclude former employees to avoid impaired objectivity.
A memo from USAID's chief termination officer calls for 'fresh, independent viewpoints'.
This follows the abrupt termination of many USAID programs, leaving former employees devastated.
Critics, including union president Mike Henning, call the policy vindictive.
The union is pursuing a legal challenge to the dismantling.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is directing hiring to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and exclude former employees to avoid impaired objectivity.
A memo from USAID's chief termination officer calls for 'fresh, independent viewpoints'.
This follows the abrupt termination of many USAID programs, leaving former employees devastated.
Critics, including union president Mike Henning, call the policy vindictive.
The union is pursuing a legal challenge to the dismantling.