Disruption at USAID: Employees Speak Out on Job Losses

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has faced significant upheaval as employees report mass layoffs following a directive from the Trump administration. Anna Sophia Katomski, who specialized in HIV medication initiatives, detailed her abrupt termination amid a broader suspension of operations within the agency.

On January 13, 2025, Katomski transitioned from Johns Hopkins University to the Global Health Bureau at USAID, specifically focusing on HIV and AIDS research. However, by January 28, she received notice that the Trump administration had ordered a 90-day suspension of work, which she interpreted as a de facto termination.

Throughout the Global Health Bureau, over 400 staff members were let go, with similar numbers reported in other divisions, totaling more than 500 dismissals within the agency. The situation led to the closure of USAID offices in Washington, D.C., where remaining employees scrambled to collect their belongings amidst the chaos.

Katomksi explained that many employees were working remotely and were instructed to avoid the office due to potential violent removals. This drastic action included the removal of photographs and official signage from the agency's buildings, an act that Katomski likened to a coup.

Her work was centered on scaling long-acting injectable HIV medications, a project aimed at addressing the AIDS epidemic, particularly among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The sudden halt of these initiatives raises concerns about the health consequences for the thousands of people dependent on these treatments.

Katomksi expressed profound distress over the situation, emphasizing the trauma experienced by employees who had dedicated their careers to public service across various administrations. The unprecedented nature of these layoffs has left many feeling disoriented and mourning the loss of their roles.

She pointed out that the decision to suspend operations will have severe ramifications in Africa, where improper discontinuation of medication could lead to drug resistance among HIV patients, complicating future treatment options. This ethical dilemma underscores the responsibility researchers have towards program participants.

With the suspension of USAID operations, essential supply chains that provided medication to thousands of people in Africa are now jeopardized. Katomski highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that many patients currently lack access to vital medications.

The funding for these programs is allocated by the U.S. Congress, and the president does not have the authority to unilaterally stop these funds. Katomski criticized claims made by Trump and others about financial mismanagement within USAID, asserting that the dismantling of the agency represents a waste of taxpayer dollars and a violation of legal obligations.

Looking ahead, the future remains uncertain for both USAID and its employees. The abrupt restructuring, led by an unelected official, raises alarm bells about potential further cuts to other federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of the Treasury.

In summary, the fallout from this situation not only impacts the workforce but also poses a dire threat to international health initiatives, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The legal and ethical implications of these actions are likely to be debated in the courts, as over 20 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against the administration's approach.