WASHINGTON — Recent court orders have had limited success in halting the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving many employees in precarious situations abroad, according to agency staff.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration has delayed medical evacuations for approximately 25 USAID employees and their spouses facing high-risk pregnancies in foreign countries, based on testimonies presented in lawsuits. A source, who requested anonymity, confirmed these details.
Deputy Administrator Pete Marocco emphasized the agency’s commitment to employee safety in a court filing, requesting judicial permission to proceed with plans to significantly reduce the number of employees working worldwide.
The administration claims it is adequately caring for its staff as it terminates programs and plans to repatriate thousands of employees and their families currently stationed abroad.
Numerous lawsuits from organizations advocating for USAID employees, as well as nonprofits and businesses, are contesting the administration’s freeze on foreign aid, job cuts, and the abrupt closure of the agency. Temporary court orders have stalled the cessation of funding and the removal of thousands of staffers, with a decision pending on whether these measures will remain on hold. The administration has labeled USAID’s initiatives as extravagant and politically biased.
American women and their spouses have expressed concerns over inadequate medical care in unstable regions, fearing for their well-being during their pregnancies.
“Everyone says I need to wait and see what happens” with the administration’s decisions, stated a USAID employee experiencing complications in her pregnancy, as noted in her court filing from an undisclosed African nation.
The testimony, along with others from employees, was submitted anonymously amid warnings from the administration regarding potential dismissal for those who publicly express concerns.
“I have a due date that does not allow me to just wait and see what happens,” the employee emphasized. “If I cannot medevac as planned, I will be in a life-threatening situation.”
In a separate case, a pregnant spouse faced serious complications in a foreign hospital, waiting for delivery while her husband highlighted the delay in securing medical evacuation. A U.S. senator intervened to ensure the government agreed to cover evacuation costs, but medical professionals indicated it was too late for safe travel back to the U.S.
The State Department has remained silent regarding allegations that the administration is stalling or obstructing medical evacuations.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is expected to rule on whether to continue blocking the administration’s order, which would place thousands of USAID employees on leave, possibly initiating a 30-day countdown for staff abroad to return.
During recent hearings, Judge Nichols described the administration’s handling of staff reductions as chaotic.
Legal representatives presented evidence showing the administration has left employees without guidance and funding, particularly during political unrest that forced evacuations in Congo.
After being evacuated, USAID staff reported limited support, receiving only two meals, while facing tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid hotel bills and uncertainty regarding employment status.
Currently deployed USAID employees describe their situations as chaotic, lacking direction from the government, including non-payment of bills for essential utilities.
Workers shared their fears of being left without resources or time to manage housing issues while also worrying about potential repercussions if they remain beyond the 30-day period, which is currently frozen by judicial order.
Testimonies also reveal disruptions in U.S. government communication channels for employees, with reports indicating that safety alert systems were compromised.
Current and former USAID officials have raised alarms about how funding cuts and staff reductions have stalled critical programs worldwide, including initiatives aimed at combatting diseases like HIV/AIDS and responding to crises such as Ebola outbreaks.
While some officials assert that exemptions have allowed certain programs to persist, internal complaints indicate that funds are not effectively reaching those initiatives due to ongoing administrative obstacles.
USAID’s payment system remains inoperative following the shutdown, further complicating the agency’s ability to function effectively.
