On Monday evening, USAID personnel who still had access to their email accounts received a communication from Ken Jackson, the agency’s assistant to the administrator for management and resources, indicating that a major reshuffling of the agency was imminent and that it would likely be consolidated into the State Department. “As we review USAID and ensure it aligns with the America First initiative, the Trump Administration, and the State Department’s efforts, our focus will be on making sure that every dollar spent is effective and targeted towards delivering results-driven aid,” the email stated.
In nations such as Zambia, Nigeria, Haiti, and Mozambique, essential medical supplies—including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and condoms aimed at preventing disease transmission—are currently stranded, as reported by a USAID employee who noted a stark increase in the number of children affected by HIV. The aid is unable to be dispatched because USAID staff responsible for logistics have been placed on administrative leave.
“When an infant is born, an early diagnostic test is performed, and if it yields a positive result, they can be swiftly treated with retrovirals. But this cannot happen if the retrovirals are unavailable,” stated the same USAID employee. “It’s a complete catastrophe.”
In Haiti, another aid worker confirmed that USAID’s HIV/AIDS medications remain untouchable. “We are unable to access the medications,” they noted. “Everything has been put on hold.” Additionally, they mentioned that no one from USAID had responded to their phone calls for several days.
“The Trump administration is jeopardizing the lives of tens of millions of people, with Haiti being just one urgent example in our region,” commented Asia Russell, executive director of the global HIV advocacy organization Health GAP.
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While PEPFAR stands as the most recognized HIV/AIDS initiative of USAID, the agency is involved in numerous other projects addressing this issue. A USAID employee focused on prophylactic solutions for women in sub-Saharan Africa stated that their work had also faced disruptions. “Our team suddenly lost access to our work emails this afternoon,” they explained. “We hadn’t submitted for a humanitarian waiver yet. We also don’t have a means to reach IT.”
Democratic lawmakers and several USAID staff members demonstrated outside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC on Monday following their barred entry to USAID’s offices. “This unlawful and unconstitutional interference with congressional authority endangers lives around the globe,” declared Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin.
A current employee of USAID shared an email with WIRED that they received Monday night, stating that USAID facilities in Washington would remain closed the following day. “We will continue to provide updates as they become available,” the email mentioned. “We appreciate your cooperation.”
