USAID Employees Placed on Paid Leave Amid Trump Administration Changes

In a significant move by the Trump administration, employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been informed that they will be placed on paid leave starting at midnight. This decision affects personnel globally, with only a small number of staff members designated as critical to remain on duty.

Additionally, the administration is set to implement major cuts, eliminating approximately 2,000 positions within the agency across the United States. This development comes as part of broader reforms initiated by President Donald Trump, who is determined to streamline government operations and improve efficiency.

In related news, prominent tech entrepreneur and Trump advisor Elon Musk has publicly praised the swift counting of votes in the recent German federal elections, noting that Germany was able to tabulate over 50 million ballots in less than eight hours. Musk expressed his belief that a similar process could be achieved in the United States, where he pointed out that the voting system still relies heavily on paper ballots.

Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, has announced plans to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Kallas emphasized the importance of involving Ukraine and European nations in any discussions regarding agreements with Russia concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a separate incident, several U.S. federal agencies have expressed opposition to Musk's request for performance reports from their employees, which he stated would be treated as resignations if not completed. Agency heads, including those from the Department of Defense and the FBI, have advised employees against responding to Musk's request, asserting that performance evaluations should follow established protocols within each agency.

On the diplomatic front, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently reflected on his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that American companies could resume operations in Russia following a peace agreement with Ukraine. Witkoff's trip to Moscow also resulted in the release of an American citizen detained there.

President Trump has characterized the recent German elections as a pivotal moment for both Germany and the United States, suggesting that voters are increasingly weary of policies that contradict common sense, particularly in relation to immigration and energy.

Additionally, the Trump administration is actively pursuing the identification and potential deportation of unaccompanied migrant minors currently residing in the U.S. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has developed a four-phase plan aimed at locating and addressing the status of these individuals, many of whom crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without parental supervision.

As the administration continues to face challenges, a recent survey revealed mixed ratings from the American public regarding Trump's handling of inflation and other key issues. With the next federal elections on the horizon, these ratings may influence the administration's strategy moving forward.