The Trump administration has directed employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to ensure foreign aid operations align with the “America First” agenda, warning of potential disciplinary actions for non-compliance.

In a memo sent on Saturday to over 10,000 USAID staff, the administration outlined expectations following a sweeping freeze on foreign aid programs worldwide. The freeze, announced Friday, halts billions of dollars in pre-approved aid to reassess alignment with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy objectives.

Ken Jackson, USAID’s assistant to the administrator for management and resources, emphasized the need for agency-wide support of Trump’s vision in a memo titled “Message and Expectation to the Workforce.”

“We have a responsibility to support the President in achieving his vision,” Jackson wrote. “This is a tremendous opportunity to transform the way we approach foreign assistance for decades to come.” Multiple sources confirmed the authenticity of the memo.

Since resuming office, Trump has moved swiftly to reshape federal agencies, reassigning or dismissing hundreds of workers he accuses of undermining his first term. His administration’s latest actions focus on reforming foreign aid programs, with a 90-day freeze imposed to determine if current initiatives align with his strategic goals.

The United States, historically the largest global donor, disbursed $72 billion in foreign aid in 2023 and accounted for 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. However, the freeze has stalled critical assistance programs, raising concerns among aid organizations and international partners.

The memo further solidifies the administration’s intent to overhaul US foreign aid, signaling a fundamental shift in how the country engages with global humanitarian and development efforts.