The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle USAID, the independent agency that provides aid to over 100 countries, has had devastating consequences for firms like Resonance. The agency’s accounting system was shut down, leading to a stop-work order on aid projects and unpaid invoices totaling over $3 million for Resonance. As a result, the company has cut its staff from 90 to 14 through layoffs, with leadership taking pay cuts and dipping into personal savings to stay afloat.
Thousands of USAID workers have been placed on leave, with employees overseas given 30 days to return to the US at the government’s expense. A federal judge recently halted the 30-day deadline and ordered staff to be reinstated. Resonance, known for its work in fisheries conservation and education projects, has been forced to make tough decisions in response to the freeze on USAID funding, leading to emotional farewells and layoffs.
Other USAID contractors like DAI have also been forced to furlough and lay off employees, causing distress among dedicated workers like Allison Basson. Basson, who was furloughed from DAI, expressed sadness over the situation and criticized the misinformation circulating on social media about USAID and its contractors. Despite acknowledging flaws in the system, she questioned the necessity of dismantling the entire industry for efficiency and called for a better way to address issues within the agency.
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