The State Department announced on Friday that it is officially closing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), marking a significant shift in the agency’s operations. In a memo sent to USAID employees, Jeremy Lewin, the agency’s new deputy director, outlined plans for the State Department to take over many of USAID’s functions and ongoing projects. The memo stated that the independent operation of USAID would be phased out, with the State Department assessing whether to rehire a portion of USAID’s staff to manage critical aid programs.
Lewin emphasized that this transition aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and strategic impact in delivering foreign aid, while streamlining foreign assistance under the direction of the State Department.
As part of the restructuring, all non-statutory positions at USAID will be eliminated.
The Trump administration has been leading an effort to dismantle the agency, which has included significant layoffs, cutting funding for over 80% of USAID’s programs, and moving its headquarters out of Washington, D.C.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the dissolution of a federal agency, noting that such a move typically requires congressional approval.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision to close USAID, asserting that U.S. foreign assistance will now be managed directly by the State Department. Rubio praised the move as a way to realign foreign aid with the nation’s best interests.
Critics, however, warn that the decision will diminish American influence abroad and severely affect vulnerable populations dependent on U.S. aid.
The changes are set to take effect by July 1, and the overall restructuring is facing multiple legal challenges.
