Hundreds gathered near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., to protest against the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency crucial for providing humanitarian aid globally.
The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, was led by Democratic lawmakers and nonprofit workers responding to the recent decision by the Trump administration to furlough nearly all USAID employees.
This week, USAID’s official website announced that all personnel “will be placed on administrative leave globally,” except those in “mission-critical functions.” This move follows remarks from a prominent tech billionaire indicating a plan to “shut down USAID,” a claim made with the backing of President Trump.
A current USAID employee, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns during the rally about their locked-out access to work-related systems for several days, leaving uncertainty about pay for next week. This employee also voiced worries about ongoing humanitarian projects and the potential consequences of halting operations amid crises such as the Ebola outbreak.
Those present at the rally chanted slogans such as “Elon Musk has got to go,” and waved signs proclaiming “USAID SAVES LIVES!!!” Demonstrators included family members of aid workers affected by the agency’s shutdown, underscoring the fear that many individuals working closely with USAID face job instability.
Attendees criticized Democratic lawmakers for not doing enough to counteract the administration’s actions. Some suggested stronger measures should have been taken to advocate for the agency’s preservation, amidst calls for urgent action to support affected workers and the communities they serve.
In a joint statement, five former USAID administrators urged Congress and the Trump administration to act quickly to protect the agency’s vital role in global humanitarian efforts. They noted their bipartisan service and commitment to the agency’s mission across different administrations.
USAID, established in 1961, has played a critical role in providing over $40 billion in humanitarian and development assistance across more than 100 countries in recent years. The agency’s future remains uncertain amidst ongoing discussions in Washington.
