U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Paul Martin, the independent inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), according to reports from major media outlets including The Washington Post and CNN.
Martin’s abrupt firing on Tuesday came just one day after his office released a report critical of the Trump administration’s handling of USAID, particularly its efforts to reduce the agency’s scope and funding. The report highlighted concerns over more than $489 million in food aid being at risk of spoilage or mismanagement due to administration-imposed freezes and staffing cuts.
A two-sentence email from the White House informed Martin that his position had been “terminated, effective immediately,” without any explanation. His office had long raised concerns about USAID’s ability to safeguard taxpayer-funded humanitarian aid amid recent staff reductions and funding uncertainties.
Sweeping Cuts to USAID
The firing is part of a broader effort by Trump and his top donor, billionaire Elon Musk, to dismantle or shrink federal agencies, particularly USAID, which administers U.S. humanitarian aid across 120 countries.
Since starting his second term last month, Trump has ordered drastic changes to the agency, including:
- Freezing foreign aid and recalling thousands of international staff.
- Slashing USAID’s workforce from 10,000 employees to an estimated 300.
- Attempting to place 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave, though a federal judge temporarily halted the move on Friday.
The administration’s actions have drawn sharp opposition from labor unions and Democrats, who argue that dismantling a government agency without congressional approval is unconstitutional.
USAID’s Global Role at Risk
USAID, which operates with a $42.8 billion budget, has historically been a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy, providing humanitarian aid and health programs worldwide. The agency has also been instrumental in countering the influence of global rivals like China through soft power initiatives.
With the future of USAID now uncertain, international aid groups and policymakers warn of serious consequences for global humanitarian efforts and America’s diplomatic influence.
Congressional leaders are expected to challenge the administration’s actions, setting up another potential legal and political showdown in Washington.
