The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has experienced a significant online disruption, with its official website, usaid.gov, becoming inaccessible over the weekend.

 

This development coincides with the Trump administration's initiative to integrate USAID into the State Department, a move that has raised concerns among international aid communities.

 

Website and communication outages

 

Reports indicate that not only has the main USAID website gone offline, but several affiliated sites, including ForeignAssistance.gov and ChildrenInAdversity.gov, have also been taken down.

 

An analysis by WIRED revealed that at least seven USAID-linked sites became inaccessible within a two-hour span on Saturday afternoon. Additionally, numerous USAID staff members have reported losing access to their official email accounts; hampering the agency's operations.

 

Administrative restructuring and staff impact

 

The website outages align with the administration's broader strategy to restructure USAID. Recently, dozens of senior USAID officials were placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into alleged resistance to President Trump's directives. This action has led to concerns about the agency's autonomy and the future of its international aid programs.

 

International aid implications

 

The integration of USAID into the State Department is part of a comprehensive review of US foreign assistance programs. The administration argues that this move will ensure aid aligns with national interests and eliminates wasteful spending.

 

However, critics warn that such consolidation could diminish the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts and reduce the emphasis on development programs that have been central to USAID's mission.