USAID’s inspector general, Paul Martin, was fired following the release of a report detailing the negative impact of the Trump administration’s downsizing of the agency. The report highlighted the potential dangers of staffing gaps, including funding entities associated with terrorist groups. It also raised concerns about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s waivers for lifesaving assistance, potentially putting over $489 million of food aid at risk.
Upon receiving the termination notice, Martin informed his staff and expressed gratitude for their work. The White House did not immediately comment on his dismissal. Rubio had ordered a stop to almost all U.S. foreign assistance pending a review after Trump’s executive order froze new foreign aid obligations.
USAID contractors sued the administration to block the funding freeze, and legal action has been taken in response to placing most direct hires on administrative leave. A judge temporarily halted efforts to evacuate personnel and rescinded administrative leave for some workers. The abrupt changes at USAID have sparked controversy and legal battles as the agency grapples with its new direction under the Trump administration.
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