USAID VP Voice

BY RANDY CHESTER

It’s been a long nine months. This column comes out as the last official USAID staff are set to be illegally let go on Sept. 2.

I won’t waste any time on the failures of Rubio, Lewin, Jackson, and other short-sighted political appointees, who have set U.S. foreign policy back decades, destroyed the most successful and respected foreign aid institution in the world, pushed 80,000-plus people with AIDS into early graves, caused the deaths of more than 75,000 children due to malnutrition and the cessation of USAID food assistance, and wasted more than $8 billion in a misguided, ill-prepared, illegal, and unconstitutional shutdown of our beloved agency. All to support the ravings of an unqualified and unconfirmed person staffed by people with zero experience.

During this time, we have seen the best of the Foreign Service proven day in and day out. Individual FSOs led the charge against USAID’s cruel dismissal of FSOs with ongoing medical conditions. Diplomats on Foreign Service Limited appointments organized and advocated for inclusion and recognition. Officers, under threat of retaliation, refused to stay silent and took their stories public. Groups of people came together to support returnees, providing job search training, offering mental health and wellness counseling, and building a community of resources.

Above all, the entire USAID community came together to honor the good work our agency is known for and to hold fast to our values. It has been humbling and inspiring to watch USAID staff work, organize, and fight.

As we begin this new phase without a mothership, know that AFSA continues to support our community.

As we begin this new phase without a mothership, know that AFSA continues to support our community. The AFSA legal case against the Trump administration, with support from Democracy Forward, is ongoing, as are our legal battles over the administration’s union busting and attempts to limit free speech. Other legal actions with the Foreign Service Grievance Board continue. And, of course, we remain engaged supporting efforts in front of the Merit Service Protection Board.

AFSA staff continue to provide support for filing individual grievances, accessing retirement resources, supporting financial planning, and advocating on the Hill. AFSA stays dedicated to supporting you, and that will not waver.

Never hesitate to reach out. No issue is too small, no question unimportant.

For information on membership and member services, please visit https://afsa.org/membership or contact member@afsa.org.

For questions on grievances, MSPB, or other legal efforts, consult our resources at https://afsa.org/2025-resource-hub or contact ogc@afsa.org.

Stay safe.