USAID Inspector General Dismissed Without Explanation

International Desk

Paul Martin, the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been dismissed, according to a source familiar with the matter who confirmed the development to CNN.

On Tuesday evening, the White House Deputy Director sent Martin an email informing him of his dismissal, stating that he was removed from his position effective immediately.

A spokesperson from the Office of the USAID Inspector General confirmed Martin’s termination, adding that no reasons were provided. CNN reached out to the White House for comment but has not received any explanation.

The dismissal follows the release of a report from Martin’s office a day earlier, which highlighted that actions by the Trump administration had significantly hindered USAID’s capacity. The report cited challenges in overseeing nearly $8.2 billion in unutilized aid.

Under federal law, the administration is required to provide Congress with a 30-day notice and specific reasons before dismissing an Inspector General.

Paul Martin had served as the USAID Inspector General since December 2023. During Donald Trump’s first term, more than a dozen federal Inspectors General were dismissed within weeks of his presidency, though Martin retained his position at the time.

After being sworn in for a second term on January 20, Trump temporarily suspended all U.S. foreign aid. Subsequently, the State Department ordered the suspension of USAID projects worldwide, shut down the agency’s computer systems, and implemented abrupt layoffs or furloughs of staff.

The suspension of funds under Trump’s executive orders has created uncertainty for USAID and the global NGOs that rely on its support, affecting millions of workers. Some officials have hinted that USAID’s existence as an independent agency might be at risk.