It raised immediate objections from Democrats who argued Trump lacks the constitutional authority to eliminate USAID, which was established by Congress as an independent agency in 1998. The White House said 606 USAID employees had been put on administration leave and 791 personal service contracts were terminated for a projected savings of $128 million.

USAID on Monday told DC-based employees to work remotely. Elon Musk, who is leading DOGE, has vowed to shut down USAID.