US President Donald Trump has dismissed the independent inspector general for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Paul Martin, according to reports from US media outlets on Wednesday. Martin’s firing followed a report from his office that criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency.
The report, which warned that over $489 million in food aid was at risk of spoilage or diversion due to a freeze on aid and a stop-work order, was issued just a day before his dismissal.
The White House sent a brief two-sentence email on Tuesday to inform Martin that his position was “terminated, effective immediately,” with no explanation provided for the decision.
The report highlighted ongoing challenges at USAID, including staffing cuts, uncertainty about foreign assistance waivers, and communication difficulties with implementers, all of which have hindered the agency’s ability to distribute and protect taxpayer-funded humanitarian aid.
While Trump had already fired 18 inspectors general, independent government watchdogs, Martin—appointed by former President Joe Biden—had remained in his role. Trump’s second term, which began last month, has seen a campaign to downsize or eliminate parts of the US government, with USAID being a key target. The agency, which oversees humanitarian aid programs in about 120 countries, manages a $42.8 billion budget, representing 42% of global humanitarian aid.
USAID has faced significant cuts, including a freeze on foreign aid, an order for thousands of overseas staff to return to the US, and a drastic reduction in personnel from 10,000 to just 300. Labor unions have challenged these moves, with a federal judge recently halting plans to place 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave. Democrats argue that Trump’s actions may be unconstitutional, as they believe shutting down government agencies requires legislative approval.
