The Trump administration announced it is cutting 2,000 positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and placing most remaining staff globally on leave. This comes after a federal judge permitted the administration to proceed with removing thousands of USAID employees. Notices sent to USAID workers indicated that only personnel handling mission-critical functions and specific programs would remain active. The administration claims that the reduction is part of an effort to eliminate what they see as wasteful aid and development work. Workers overseas will have access to Agency systems and resources until they return home, and voluntary return travel will be funded by the Agency. The decision has caused concern for employees overseas who feel cut off from communications, though the administration assures that emergency communications are available. Additionally, the layoffs could affect hundreds of contractors who received anonymous termination letters. Another judge has temporarily blocked the freeze on foreign assistance, stating the administration must restore funding to international programs.