In the wake of President Trump’s inauguration, U.S.A.I.D. found itself in dire straits, barely two weeks after his return to the White House. On his inaugural day, Trump enacted a pause on foreign aid, yet the guidance surrounding this order remained vague even to his own appointed officials. This led to U.S.A.I.D. issuing directives to aid organizations to halt ongoing projects globally, effectively stifling operations.
As the agency's employees grappled with what they perceived as unsafe and illegitimate demands, a wave of defiance emerged within its ranks. This resistance drew the ire of the Trump administration, which viewed such actions as acts of insubordination and initiated steps to potentially dismantle the agency altogether.
The day Trump took office, the newly appointed U.S.A.I.D. executive, Jason Gray, learned he was in charge, although he was initially not meant to lead the agency. The former Biden administration had selected a different individual more experienced in foreign aid as the transitional administrator. However, Trump's team, intent on reversing previous policies, designated Gray unexpectedly.
Despite concerns, Gray sent out an optimistic memo aimed at more than 10,000 employees, highlighting opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the upcoming administration. Just two weeks later, however, U.S.A.I.D. stood on the brink of collapse, with all foreign programs suspended and staff ordered to remain home, casting a shadow of uncertainty over its future.
