The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking lawyers to investigate employee misconduct, including unauthorized communications with the media, according to a job posting on the agency’s website.
The posting, first reported by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), appears genuine. The agency is looking for attorneys who will report directly to the USAID Deputy General Counsel and defend against over 200 grievances filed by employees.
Context and Reactions
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State Department Response: State Department spokespersons declined to comment on personnel or litigation matters related to the hiring process.
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Disciplinary Actions: Some USAID employees received emails threatening disciplinary action, including removal from their positions, after engaging with journalists without authorization. This move is part of efforts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at eliminating waste and inefficiency within government operations while ensuring accountability through effective management practices.
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Mass Layoffs: DOGE has been conducting mass layoffs across multiple federal agencies since February, affecting over 1,000 workers so far. Critics argue that these actions may infringe upon civil liberties such as freedom of speech.
Public Statements
In a recent tweet posted on Twitter Spaces in April, Elon Musk stated that "USAID is a criminal organization." However, no evidence supports this claim. DOGE’s mission remains focused on streamlining government operations and promoting accountability within federal agencies.
An official from DOGE commented, "Elon Musk has made numerous public statements about his views on various topics. However, we cannot comment further as this would be inappropriate."
A spokesperson for AFSA did not respond immediately when reached for comment.
Ongoing Investigations
A State Department spokesperson stated, "We are aware of reports regarding potential investigations into unauthorized communications between some current or former USAID employees and members of the press. We cannot provide further information about any ongoing investigations."
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