A sign outside USAID office in D.C., where employees were told to clear out in 15 minutes. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Former employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were given just 15 minutes to clear out their D.C. offices yesterday — a cutting end to the Trump administration's gutting of the foreign aid agency and its contractors.
Ambassador Samantha Power embraces fired employees. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A demonstrationformed outside, largely made up of former employees, supporters and families.
Ambassador Samantha Power, former USAID head, embraced some in the crowd. The tone was different than at many of the rallies peppering D.C. As Randy Chester, a union organizer, told USA Today, "We're not here to protest. We're here to say thank you."
"It is really just an expression of gratitude and thanks – recognition for their years of service as public servants to the American people."
Supporters hold signs outside USAID. Photo: Ting Shen / AFP)Former employees quickly packed their offices in boxes, shopping bags and suitcases. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Image