Fact Check Analysis: USAID employees around the world will be placed on leave Friday and ordered to return to US






Fact Check: Is the Entire USAID Agency Being Shut Down?


USAID Fact Check

Fact Check: Is the Entire USAID Agency Being Shut Down?

A DBUNK subscriber submitted this request, wanting to know if the USAID agency is truly being dismantled and what would happen to its global aid efforts. Here’s what we found.

Misleading Claims About USAID Shutdown

The CNN article, published on February 5, 2025, claims that USAID employees worldwide have been placed on administrative leave and ordered back to the U.S., suggesting the agency’s imminent shutdown. However, parts of the reporting lack crucial context and overstate the situation.

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What’s True?

It is accurate that USAID has placed a significant number of employees on administrative leave and that contractors have been affected by a broader foreign aid freeze. The policy change follows an executive order issued by President Trump that paused foreign aid programs for 90 days. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been named the acting administrator of USAID.

What’s Missing or Misleading?

While the article conveys real concerns about the changes within USAID, it distorts some facts:

1. USAID is Not Being Entirely Shut Down

The article gives the impression that USAID is being dismantled entirely, but the directive primarily affects administrative staffing and non-essential contracts. The official USAID statement on their website confirms that critical operations are continuing. The article fails to clarify that “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs” will remain operational.

2. Lack of Evidence for Corruption Claims

The article quotes President Trump claiming that USAID is corrupt, allegedly based on findings by Elon Musk, who has been leading government efficiency efforts. However, no public evidence has been provided to support these claims. The article does not supply any investigative background to verify the accusations, leaving readers with an unsubstantiated claim.

3. Incorrect Leadership Structure

Secretary of State Marco Rubio being named the “acting administrator” of USAID is misleading. While he may be overseeing some aspects of the agency’s transition, USAID operates as an independent agency under congressional oversight. The State Department does not have unilateral control over its operations.

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User Question: What Happens to the Global Aid Programs?

Many readers are understandably asking what happens to foreign aid programs under this decision. While operations may face temporary disruptions, essential programs—such as famine relief, medical aid, and disaster response—are expected to continue. Congress also has oversight over USAID funding, meaning a complete shutdown would face legal and political obstacles.

Conclusion

The CNN article sensationalizes the news, making it sound as if USAID is being permanently shuttered. While the foreign aid freeze is significant and employee layoffs are happening, the agency is not being entirely disbanded. The omission of key details and reliance on unverified claims contribute to a misleading narrative.

For full transparency, you can read the original CNN article here: CNN – USAID Officials Placed on Administrative Leave.

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