Trump/Musk Set Friday Night Deadline for Thousands

Donald Trump

(TheConservativeTimes.org) – President Donald Trump and tech titan Elon Musk have begun their bombshell crusade to streamline operations and save billions in taxpayer money by targeting a wasteful federal agency.

The administration’s groundbreaking action against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will place thousands of its employees on leave.

This move signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, as the agency faces accusations of corruption and mismanagement.

Specifically, the Trump administration has announced that all USAID employees will be placed on administrative leave by the end of this week.

This decision affects thousands of workers. However, the leave order exempts only those involved in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs.”

The leave period is set to begin at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 7, affecting both domestic and international staff.

USAID employees posted outside the United States will have their return travel to the U.S. arranged and paid for within 30 days.

President Trump has been vocal about his intentions to wind down the agency, labeling it as “corrupt” and citing instances of fraud and misallocation of funds.

When asked about the future of USAID, Trump told reporters he would likely shut it down altogether.

The president also praised Musk for his efforts: “Look at all the fraud that he’s found.”

He added that funds had gone to “all sorts of groups that shouldn’t deserve to get any money.”

The agency oversees foreign aid, disaster relief, and international development programs.

It has long been a target for conservatives who argue that it represents wasteful government spending.

With a staggering $40 billion budget funded by Congress, USAID supports various global initiatives, including women’s health, clean water, HIV/AIDS treatments, and anti-corruption efforts in over 100 countries.

USAID’s Washington headquarters has been shut down, aligning with the administration’s goal of reducing the size of the federal government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been named acting director, signaling USAID’s merger into the State Department.

This restructuring is supported by Musk, who has been vocal about his desire to see the agency dismantled.

Critics of the move, mainly Democrats, argue that USAID plays a crucial role in America’s foreign policy and national security strategy.

However, supporters of the administration’s decision point to the need for fiscal responsibility and a reevaluation of America’s role in global aid distribution.

As USAID staff members are recalled from their foreign assignments, the agency’s future hangs in the balance.

The Trump administration’s decisive action against USAID marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, likely with far-reaching consequences for years to come.

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