An official at the federal foreign aid agency, USAID, was placed on leave after accusing the Trump administration of causing preventable deaths and threats to U.S. security through its layoffs, cuts, and funding obstacles. Nick Enrich, acting assistant administrator for USAID Global Health, sent a memo to staff expressing concern that lifesaving humanitarian assistance was not being implemented due to obstacles created by political leadership within USAID, the Department of State, and DOGE. Enrich pointed to contradictory guidance and delays in processing funds as contributing factors.
Enrich’s memo outlined the termination of multiple funding awards for lifesaving humanitarian assistance programs, leading to uncertainty about the number of deaths attributable to the loss of funding. Following the memo, Enrich was placed on administrative leave. The Trump administration’s decision to cancel $60 billion in USAID funding, coupled with plans to cut the majority of contracts held by the agency, has had a detrimental impact on programs globally, affecting biosecurity, food supplies, and vaccine distribution.
The Trump administration and advisory Elon Musk have prioritized cutting USAID funding, alleging wasteful spending and a liberal agenda. However, USAID’s mission is to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from crises. The White House’s actions have sparked concerns about the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandate and provide essential aid to vulnerable populations.
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