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Reposted

David Corn

@davidcorn.bsky.social

After declaring that all Palestinians should be removed from Gaza and that the US should take "ownership" of the strip, Trump issues an executive order ending US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

February 5, 2025 at 2:17 AM

Reposted

Prem Thakker ツ

@premthakker.bsky.social

All this is happening without Congressional authorization. And if Trump, Musk, and Vance can do this to one agency, they're coming for much more: Labor. Your education. Clean air and water.

Congress could have an emergency vote to stop this. But they're gonna have to be forced.

Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · Feb 5

Wow. USAID website has been brought back online for the first time in days — only to include the message that all USAID staff worldwide will be placed on administrative leave

February 5, 2025 at 2:39 AM

Reposted

Joey Politano🏳️‍🌈

@josephpolitano.bsky.social

USAID’s website has been deleted, all that is left is a note saying all personnel are now on administrative leave and personnel outside the US are to be brought home. Completely illegal, no act of congress or even executive order was signed to dismantle the agency

“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).

For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your service”

February 5, 2025 at 2:29 AM

Reposted

Heather Cox Richardson (TDPR)

@hcrichardson.bsky.social

Please, everyone, drop what you’re doing and read this:

christiewells.bsky.social @christiewells.bsky.social · Feb 2

I go to @timothysnyder.bsky.social and @hcrichardson.bsky.social for historical perspective and contemporary context about the dystopia we're experiencing. Snyder's post today has both, plus real actionable guidance. open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p...