Walkinshaw, Subramanyam, Call for Investigation into Trump Administration Dismantlement of USAID
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, today led 7 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. State Department Office of Inspector General urging an investigation into the Trump Administration’s reckless dismantlement of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the termination of all 10,000 USAID personnel.
The letter warns that these actions violate statutory requirements, undermine U.S. national security, and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.
“Firing USAID personnel and folding one of our nation’s most effective agencies into the U.S. State Department without a comprehensive plan is not reform — it’s reckless,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “USAID has been a cornerstone of America’s global leadership for over 60 years. Dismantling it unilaterally weakens our ability to respond to global crises, support vulnerable populations, protect U.S. interests, and ensure the effective implementation of U.S. foreign assistance. Congress deserves transparency, and the American people deserve answers.”
The letter to the Acting Inspector General outlines how the Trump Administration’s actions violate statutory requirements, which require prior consultation and notification to Congress when using foreign operations funds to restructure an agency.
Walkinshaw and his colleagues warn that the move is already causing real harm. The May 2025 U.S. State Department Office of Inspector General report found that the Department was already struggling to track and monitor foreign assistance funding. Following the restructuring, public reporting revealed that $800,000 worth of emergency food commodities expired and were destroyed — a direct consequence of the Administration’s chaotic actions. This critical food assistance could have fed 1.5 million children for a week.
“Secretary Rubio and President Trump are putting their political agenda over the American people,” Walkinshaw added. “Firing talented USAID personnel who safeguard and implement billions in foreign assistance and then expecting the system to run optimal is foolish. This is not about creating a more efficient government; this continues to be about creating a government that is subservient to Trump’s political agenda. It is also a textbook case of waste and mismanagement.
The letter requests that the Office of Inspector General conduct a full review of:
- Whether the Administration violated statutory requirements for thorough consultation and notification to Congress.
- How terminated USAID personnel are being (or not being) rehired.
- How the State Department will address terminated USAID personnel skillset transitions (or not).
- Whether the State Department has the expertise and capacity to manage foreign assistance programs effectively.
- The potential risks of waste, fraud, and abuse stemming from the elimination of USAID and personnel.
Read the full letter here.
The letter to Acting Inspector General Baker was signed by U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37).
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