Timeline of Events: Trump & Musk's Illegal War on USAID

February 8, 2025

February 7, 2025

Federal Judge Blocks USAID Staff Placements on Leave until February 14th
AFSA files suit against the administration, filing an emergency restraining order to stop the administration from putting workers on administrative leave. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols issues a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from placing approximately 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. The ruling highlights concerns about the risks and expenses for employees and their families.
Source: Politico

Drastic Reduction of USAID Workforce Announced
The Trump administration reveals plans to retain only 600 (originally 300) out of over 10,000 USAID employees.
Source: Politico

USAID Staff Ordered on Administrative Leave
An anonymous announcement indicates that, effective February 7 at 11:59 pm EST, all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, except for those responsible for mission-critical functions and specially designated programs. USAID and Embassies abroad are thrown into chaos as the legality of the “order” cannot be verified.
Source: Politico

Elon Musk Announces Plans to Dismantle USAID
Elon Musk, leading DOGE, declares intentions to shut down USAID, labeling it a “criminal organization” and stating it is “beyond repair.” He asserts that President Trump agrees with this course of action.
[Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment)_
Secretary of State Assumes Role of Acting Administrator
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces he has been appointed Acting Administrator of USAID and that the agency will be merged into the State Department, raising legal questions due to USAID's status as an independent agency established by Congress.
[Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment)_

Senior USAID Security Officials Placed on Leave
Two top security officials at USAID are placed on administrative leave after attempting to prevent DOGE personnel from accessing classified information without proper security clearances.
[Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment)_

DOGE Personnel Access Classified USAID Information
Members of DOGE gain access to classified information at USAID without sufficient security clearances, leading to concerns about unauthorized access and security protocol breaches.
[Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment)_

USAID Official Resigns Amid Purge
Nicholas Gottlieb, USAID's Director of Labor, resigns after opposing what he termed an “illegal purge” of agency staff. In his farewell email, he states, “I wish you all the best. You do not deserve this.”
Source: Devex

Top USAID Career Staff Placed on Immediate Leave
The Trump administration orders dozens of top career employees at USAID to go on administrative leave, affecting nearly every career staffer in top leadership roles within the agency.
Source: Politico

Near-Total Freeze on Foreign Aid Ordered
President Donald Trump orders a near-total freeze on all foreign aid, significantly impacting USAID's operations.
[Source: Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment)_