Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed concerns on Thursday regarding US Agency for International Development (USAID) personnel stationed abroad who were expected to be put on leave. Rubio clarified that employees could stay longer if relocating would be disruptive, emphasizing that the government would assist most officials with relocation for the next month.
Rubio assured that exceptions could be made for individuals facing exceptional circumstances such as family obligations or displacement. He highlighted scenarios where USAID workers with children in school or spouses working at US embassies could be exempted from returning to the US.
During a news conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rubio emphasized that the intention was not to disrupt personal lives or be punitive, but rather to secure cooperation from USAID. He mentioned that the government was open to considering special conditions or situations that warranted an exemption, without specifying the exact process for such requests.
Furthermore, Rubio announced that the US would facilitate the return of employees stationed abroad for a 30-day period starting Friday. This measure aimed to provide support and assistance to affected personnel during the transition period.
