Trump fires USAID's inspector general after his office released a report critical of the administration
Share and Follow


The inspector general at the U.S. Agency for International Development was fired Tuesday, a day after his office released a report detailing the negative impact of the Trump administration’s dramatic downsizing of the agency, according to a letter obtained by NBC News.

Paul Martin, who had been USAID’s inspector general since 2023, was notified of his dismissal by email.

Follow live politics coverage here

“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development is terminated, effective immediately,” Trent Morse, deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, informed Martin in an email obtained by NBC News. “Thank you for your service.”

CNN first reported Martin’s firing.

The report by USAID’s Office of the Inspector General, led by Martin, warned of the dangers associated with the gap in staffing, including a lack of oversight that may leave the agency “susceptible to inadvertently funding entities or salaries of individuals associated with U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.”

It also described the uncertainty surrounding the waivers for lifesaving assistance issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which it said put “more than $489 million of food assistance at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage, unanticipated storage needs, and diversion.”

Martin informed his staff of his removal shortly after he received the termination notice.

“It has been a true honor and pleasure to walk alongside my OIG colleagues around the world as we sought to provide independent and aggressive oversight of USAID programs and personnel,” Martin wrote in the email. “Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. And, as always, thank you for what you do and how you do it.”

The White House did not immediately respond Tuesday night to a request for comment on Martin’s dismissal.

Rubio last month ordered an immediate stop to the flow of almost all U.S. foreign assistance pending a review, following an executive order from Trump that issued a 90-day pause on new obligations and disbursements of foreign aid.

USAID contractors sued the Trump administration on Tuesday, asking a federal court to block implementation of Trump’s funding freeze.

The Trump administration abruptly shuttered the agency’s headquarters last week and announced that it would place nearly all direct hires on administrative leave, a move that has prompted legal action from labor groups.

A judge stepped in last week to temporarily pause efforts to expedite evacuations for personnel overseas and to place 2,200 staff on administrative leave. The judge also rescinded administrative leave for another 500 workers.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
What are federal child care funds? What to know amid planned funding freeze

Exploring Federal Child Care Funds: Key Insights as Funding Freeze Looms

The Trump administration has announced a nationwide suspension of child care funding…
East Bay animation studio makes its dream come true

East Bay Animation Studio Achieves Long-Awaited Milestone

BERKELEY, Calif. — During his time at NYU’s Tisch School of the…
Daily Mail reveals bottled waters with most toxic 'forever chemicals'

Shocking Discovery: Bottled Waters Contaminated with Dangerous Forever Chemicals Unveiled

Bottled water is often perceived as the safer option for drinking, largely…
Trump administration backs off efforts to maintain control of California National Guard in LA, court docs show

Court Documents Reveal Trump Administration’s Shift on California National Guard Control in Los Angeles

The prolonged dispute between President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom…
ISIS exploiting Syria’s chaos as US strikes expose growing threat

ISIS Seizes Opportunity Amid Syrian Turmoil as US Airstrikes Highlight Rising Danger

In a significant development, U.S. and allied forces have successfully neutralized nearly…
Body found confirmed to be missing Camila Mendoza Olmos in Texas, death ruled suicide

Tragic Discovery: Missing Texas Teen Camila Mendoza Olmos Found Dead, Suicide Confirmed by Authorities

The remains discovered in a Texas field have been identified as those…
No fireworks this New Year's Eve in Baker County amid burn ban, officials say

Baker County Cancels New Year’s Eve Fireworks Due to Burn Ban

In Baker County, officials have announced a strict prohibition on all forms…
Why my first meeting with Rob Reiner changed my life forever

How One Encounter with Rob Reiner Transformed My Career and Perspective

My first encounter with Rob Reiner took place on a bustling red…