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U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Paul Martin, the independent inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), just a day after his office released a report criticizing the administration’s handling of the agency.
According to reports from The Washington Post, CNN, and other media outlets, Martin was informed of his removal via a brief email from the White House on Tuesday, February 11. The email stated that his position was “terminated, effective immediately,” but provided no explanation for the decision.
Martin’s office had recently issued a report warning that more than $489 million in food assistance was at risk of spoilage or misallocation due to an aid freeze and stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration. The report also highlighted concerns over staffing reductions and uncertainty surrounding foreign aid waivers, stating that these factors had “degraded USAID’s ability to distribute and safeguard taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance.”
Trump has previously dismissed 18 inspectors general—independent watchdogs overseeing federal agencies—but Martin, who was appointed by Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, had remained in his role until now.
Since beginning his second term last month, Trump has intensified efforts to shrink or dismantle various government agencies, with a particular focus on USAID. His campaign is reportedly backed by billionaire donor Elon Musk.
USAID, which oversees U.S. humanitarian aid worldwide, manages a $42.8 billion budget and operates in roughly 120 countries, playing a key role in U.S. foreign policy. However, the Trump administration has frozen foreign aid, recalled thousands of USAID staff from overseas, and begun slashing the agency’s workforce from 10,000 employees to approximately 300.
Labor unions are challenging the legality of these moves, and a federal judge recently issued a temporary order halting the administration’s plan to place 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave.
Meanwhile, congressional Democrats argue that Trump cannot unilaterally shut down government agencies without legislative approval, raising constitutional concerns over his actions.
