They’re Hiring at U.S.A.I.D. Just Not Anyone Who Worked There.

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by Eileen Sullivan

March 2, 2026

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The Trump administration has issued a memo restricting former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees from being hired to help wind down the agency’s operations. The reasoning behind this move is to "avoid the risk of impaired objectivity," according to the memo. This policy change raises questions about how USAID will transition its work under new leadership and whether it could hinder the agency's effectiveness. The memo was shared with国务院有关部门, instructing that former staff members who previously worked at USAID would be prohibited from taking roles involved in closing down operations. This includes both senior officials and lower-level employees, potentially limiting the pool of expertise available to oversee the transition process. The decision has sparked concerns among watchdog groups, who argue that such restrictions could lead to a lack of continuity and institutional knowledge during this critical period. Critics of the memo suggest it could create unnecessary obstacles for USAID's transition, as former employees often bring valuable insights and experience. They worry that excluding them from these roles could disrupt ongoing projects and weaken the agency’s ability to maintain its global impact. Additionally, this move has drawn comparisons to similar restrictions in other government agencies, raising broader questions about how such policies affect transparency and accountability. The implications of this hiring ban extend beyond USAID itself. It sets a precedent for future administrations on how they handle transitions within federal agencies. Advocacy groups are calling for clearer guidelines to ensure that such decisions do not undermine the effectiveness of essential government functions. As the administration continues to implement its agenda, the impact of these restrictions will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers. Ultimately, this memo reflects a broader trend of prioritizing perceived conflicts of interest over institutional expertise. While the intention may be to uphold objectivity, critics argue that such measures could have long-term consequences for USAID's ability to deliver aid effectively. As the agency navigates its transition, the full effects of these hiring restrictions will only become clearer. For now, the debate continues on whether

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 3/2/2026