Sayer Ji
On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST), all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, except for a select group managing mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs. This abrupt operational halt, announced just one day earlier, signals a dramatic shift in the agency’s trajectory, raising urgent questions about its past operations, funding allocations, and accountability. The move follows increasing scrutiny of USAID’s financial ties and CIA-style influence campaigns, particularly its funding of BBC Media Action, a development arm accused of engaging in censorship under the guise of combating misinformation.