Government contractors have sought to recruit lawyers to work with the U.S. International Development Agency (USAID) for investigating former staff members at the agency, particularly focusing on “fraudulent communication with the media.”
Job listings from Highlight Technology—removed Tuesday following inquiries—indicated that these lawyers would be assigned to USAID’s general counsel office, where they would focus on “enforcement of public employee misconduct,” particularly in relation to media communications.
The initial job posting underwent several modifications after CBS News reported on it Monday night. The listing initially stated that the lawyers would “conduct a thorough and impartial workplace investigation where necessary,” but this mention of media contact was later omitted.
The revised posting also cut the phrase about attorneys “strongly defending more than 200 complaints filed by employees.”
Critics argue that this initial job posting reflects the administration’s ongoing actions against USAID, following a significant push to terminate a large portion of its workforce and fully integrate the agency into the State Department.
“The administration continues to show a hostile attitude towards the workforce,” said U.S. Foreign Office vice president Randy Chester. He pointed out that over 200 complaints have been lodged by USAID foreign services and civil servants, compared to a typical annual range of 30 to 50. This spike indicates a widespread belief in ongoing misconduct.
The State Department has not responded to inquiries regarding this matter and did not address Highlight Technology’s role in the job posting.
Recently, multiple USAID employees received notifications that they would be subject to an “administrative investigation” for allegedly interacting with the media without permission. CBS News noted that at least half a dozen employees faced such notifications.
Chester commented, “We don’t usually do this, but these are not normal times,” referring to employees who spoke to the media. He noted the strong emotions many felt compelled to express, feeling it was illegal or unethical to remain silent on certain issues.
The communication also hinted at possible disciplinary actions, although most USAID employees have been informed they will be let go in June or September due to workforce reductions. In February, employees were given just 15 minutes to gather their belongings as they cleared out their offices.
“It’s a bit odd to pursue individuals who are likely already facing termination. What do they hope to achieve by investigating alleged fraud?” Chester questioned, underscoring the strange nature of the situation given that many lawyers have already been dismissed, leaving only two remaining in a department that once had ten.
The job openings seem to involve employees who have already been let go; a blog dedicated to USAID characterized this dynamic as “punishing those who care too much and silencing them.”
