Thousands of USAID employees, except for essential personnel, were notified they will be placed on administrative leave at the end of Friday.

In a brief note posted on the international development agency's website, almost all employees were told they would be put on leave. The note ended with the words, "Thank you for your service."

The Trump administration is recalling USAID staff from overseas, placing most on leave as part of a broader foreign aid freeze. The move effectively dismantles the agency's global presence and has sparked backlash from diplomatic and humanitarian groups.