The scene outside the USAID headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C., was one of quiet despair and resilience as employees, some of whom had dedicated decades of their lives to public service, were forced to leave their jobs behind. Many carried bags, boxes, and tote bags filled with the remnants of their careers—items like shoes, personal mementos, and awards—symbolizing the abrupt end to their time at the agency. For one worker, who had served for over three decades, including a stint in the military, the only items she carried out were a roll of paper towels and a team award for excellence, a small but meaningful reminder of her contributions. Another employee, who had planned to retire in two years, was now scrambling to find new employment, emphasizing the unexpected and disruptive nature of the layoffs. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, with some workers breaking down in tears as they said goodbye to colleagues and a career they deeply valued.
The layoffs were part of a broader effort by the Trump administration, in collaboration with Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, to slash government spending and eliminate what they called “waste, fraud, and abuse.” USAID, known for its mission of providing global aid and supporting vulnerable populations, was one of the first agencies targeted, with over 90% of its contracts being eliminated and $60 billion in foreign assistance being cut. For many of the employees, the sudden shutdown felt like a betrayal of the values they had dedicated their careers to—values of compassion, goodwill, and helping those in need around the world. One worker reflected on the agency’s mission, saying, “Goodwill, helping people across the world—all over the world—who have little to no means, right? Starving, not able to go to the doctor’s. Just to provide support to them, partner with them in some way. I think USAID was a very unique agency. Compassion goes a lot with the mission.”
As employees left the building, many were met with support from former colleagues, friends, and demonstrators who gathered outside to show solidarity. The crowd clapped for each departing worker, holding signs that praised their service and criticized the decision to dismantle the agency. Some signs read, “Wreck USAID = Hurt U.S.,” and “Thank You for Your Service.” There was also a table set up with coffee, donuts, and Hershey’s kisses, offering a small gesture of comfort to those facing an uncertain future. The atmosphere was bittersweet, with moments of gratitude and camaraderie mingling with the sadness and anger over the abrupt termination of their work.
The personal stories of the employees highlighted the human cost of the layoffs. One worker, who had risked his life for USAID, carried a blown-up photo from his time in South Sudan, a region plagued by conflict. He recalled being detained in Khartoum in 2008 and evacuated during the country’s civil wars, emphasizing the sacrifices he had made for the agency’s mission. “I almost got killed for USAID,” he said, his voice filled with frustration and sadness. Another worker, who had been given just 15 minutes to clear out her desk, expressed her anger and disappointment at the abrupt nature of the layoffs, saying, “There are some real families and lives that are going to be disrupted because of this, and it didn’t need to be this way.”
The legal and political battles surrounding the layoffs added another layer of complexity to the situation. The Trump administration’s efforts to slash foreign aid and dismantle congressionally authorized agencies like USAID have been met with resistance, including legal challenges from organizations that contract with or receive grants from the agency. Late Wednesday, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked an order that would have forced the administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid, granting a pause until the court could review the case further. This legal limbo has left many employees and contractors in a state of uncertainty, unsure of what the future holds for their work and the programs they had dedicated their lives to.
As the employees left the building for the last time, they were met with emotional gestures of support, including hugs from loved ones and well-wishers. Former USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who had led the agency during the Biden administration, was also present, hugging workers and expressing her solidarity. For many, the shutdown of USAID felt like the end of an era, not just for the employees but for the countless people around the world who had benefited from the agency’s work. The scene outside the headquarters was a poignant reminder of the human impact of political decisions and the resilience of those who had dedicated their lives to public service. As one worker put it, “There are some real families and lives that are going to be disrupted because of this,” a sentiment that echoed the broader sense of loss and grief felt by many.
