The Trump administration has announced that 1,600 jobs at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be cut. On Sunday, the government placed most USAID employees, except leaders and critical staff, on paid leave.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has been working to downsize USAID, which plays a major role in delivering US foreign aid and boosting US influence abroad.

Employees received an email confirming that those affected would leave federal service by April 24. The agency’s website also confirmed that most direct hires, except essential workers, will be put on leave.

A previous notice suggested that at least 2,000 jobs could be eliminated. The White House has not commented yet.

Last Friday, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration could proceed with putting USAID workers on leave, dealing a blow to government employee unions challenging the move.