US Agency for International Development Employees Recount Chaotic Evacuation Amid Trump Administration’s Aid Freeze
A Desperate Exodus: USAID Employees Flee DRC Amid Violent Protests
Employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have shared harrowing accounts of their evacuation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid and suspend critical assistance programs. The chaotic departure unfolded amid violent protests in Kinshasa, the capital city, where the U.S. Embassy was forced to close indefinitely. The State Department ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave the country, citing escalating violence and instability. Many employees were left with no choice but to abandon their homes, unsure if their belongings would be looted or destroyed. The abrupt evacuation has left staff in a state of panic, with many expressing fear for their jobs and the future of their work. One official lamented, “It’s just the anxiety of losing our jobs and what we do won’t exist anymore.”
Administrative Chaos: Trump’s Aid Freeze Leaves Employees Scrambling
The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID and reduce the federal workforce have created widespread disarray within the agency. Employees worldwide were ordered to return to the U.S. and placed on administrative leave, with little guidance or support. The lawsuit filed by the American Foreign Service Association highlights the lack of clarity and resources provided to staff during the evacuation process. Many employees were forced to navigate complex logistical challenges, including securing housing, arranging schooling for their children, and managing unforeseen expenses. Marcus Doe, a foreign service officer, described the ordeal as “intense panic” and criticized the administration for leaving employees feeling abandoned. The lawsuit also revealed that some employees, like Marcus, were evacuated in small boats to neighboring Brazzaville without proper approvals, only to be left stranded in Washington with limited support.
Personal Toll: Emotional and Financial Struggles of Evacuated Employees
The evacuation has taken a significant emotional and financial toll on USAID employees and their families. Ruth Doe, a pregnant foreign service health officer, recounted her harrowing experience of returning to the U.S. with limited access to water and no food for 12 hours. Despite assurances from the State Department that prenatal care would be facilitated upon her return, Ruth has struggled to secure timely medical appointments and has had to pay out-of-pocket for essential necessities. She shared that she has spent nearly $5,000 on accommodation, food, and clothing, with unclear guidance on reimbursement. Nathan Doe, another foreign service officer, detailed the trauma of evacuating Kinshasa with his three young children and leaving behind their dog. Since arriving in Washington, Nathan has faced uncertainty about reimbursement for relocation expenses and the stability of his job, leaving his children fearful for their family’s future.
Mental and Physical Anguish: The Human Cost of the Shutdown
The sudden shutdown of USAID operations has left many employees experiencing mental and physical exhaustion. Nathan Doe described the stress of balancing work with the challenges of relocation, all while trying to reassure his children that their family would be okay. He expressed feelings of “mental and physical anguish” as he navigated the uncertainty of his job and the well-being of his family. The lawsuit highlights the emotional distress faced by employees, many of whom have dedicated their careers to international development and humanitarian work. The abrupt closure of USAID has not only disrupted their lives but also raised fears about the future of U.S. foreign aid and global development efforts.
Lawmakers Slam Trump Administration for Abandoning USAID Workers
The chaotic evacuation and shutdown of USAID have drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Virginia Rep. Don Beyer condemned the Trump administration, calling the situation “an absolute scandal” and accusing the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio of abandoning American workers and their families abroad. Beyer criticized the administration for failing to approve grant waivers to ensure the safe return of employees and for withholding critical support payments. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey also weighed in, calling the situation “chaotic and confusing” and urging Congress to act to protect the lives and livelihoods of USAID employees. The lawmakers’ criticism comes as part of a broader pushback against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle key oversight agencies and withhold foreign aid.
Broader Implications: The Future of U.S. Foreign Aid and Global Development
The shutdown of USAID and the subsequent evacuation of employees have raised serious concerns about the future of U.S. foreign aid and global development efforts. The Trump administration’s actions have not only disrupted critical humanitarian programs but also jeopardized the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens working abroad. The lawsuit filed by the American Foreign Service Association serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these policies and the need for transparency and accountability in government decision-making. As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers, advocacy groups, and former USAID officials are calling for immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in global development and humanitarian assistance.
