Rubio orders firings of all USAID staffers overseas to move forward

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio Orders Closure of USAID Overseas Positions

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a directive on Tuesday for U.S. embassies worldwide to proceed with the termination of all remaining staff members from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Rubio announced that the State Department will be taking over USAID’s foreign assistance programs by the upcoming Monday.

Following a temporary block on President Donald Trump’s executive order for mass firings at federal agencies, including the State Department, concerns have been raised regarding the legality of Rubio’s reorganization plan. Plaintiffs argue that the plan may violate the court injunction.

The Trump administration asserts that the reorganization was already in progress prior to the president’s order, thus denying any violation. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston is yet to make a ruling on the matter.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented on Rubio’s directive, stating that it was not unexpected. “This directive was communicated to our posts as anticipated, outlining the elimination of those positions. It aligns with what was previously communicated in February and March of this year,” Bruce said.

Rubio has instructed embassies to adhere to the department’s plan to remove all USAID overseas positions by September 30.

The termination of all remaining USAID staff members abroad marks one of the final stages in the dismantling of the U.S. aid agency. The Trump administration, along with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has targeted USAID for elimination, resulting in the dismissal of over 10,000 employees and contractors.

AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed.