Trump's agency cutbacks: USAID cuts around 1,600 jobs

Last week, the important development agency suffered a setback in court. A federal judge in the capital Washington reversed his provisional decision in summary proceedings to stop the dismissals at the agency for the time being.

USAID is planning a voluntary repatriation program funded by the agency as well as "other benefits" for staff abroad, the statement continued. "In the coming week, we will announce details on how to retrieve personal items from former USAID workplaces and return government-issued equipment," the agency said.

Radical reorganization of the US state apparatus

The administration of US President Donald Trump is driving forward a radical restructuring of the government apparatus, which is particularly affecting USAID. Back in January, Trump had the agency's funds frozen for an internal review. He stated several times that USAID was being run by radical "lunatics" who were wasting taxpayers' money.

USAID is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world and has organized numerous aid measures around the world - from AIDS aid to reconstruction in war-torn regions. In the affected countries, there are great concerns that tens of thousands of people could be plunged into poverty if aid is not provided.