By Fatma Younis
A former associate of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency who oversaw the firing of thousands of federal employees and the dismantling of USAID may not have had the legal authority to do so, according to a report by WIRED.
Paperwork Gaps During Critical Period
Jeremy Lewin, who served as the State Department's director of policy planning, announced Tuesday he would leave the Trump administration to return to the private sector. His departure followed revelations that he had not completed mandatory onboarding paperwork during the period he ordered USAID's closure.
Internal USAID emails obtained by WIRED show Lewin had not signed required documents allowing him to work at the agency from March 18 to April 4, when thousands of employees were laid off. White House liaison Adam Korzeniewski instructed USAID HR to begin onboarding Lewin on March 20, two days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio installed him.
Memorandum Detailed Agency's Closure
Lewin sent a memorandum titled "USAID's Final Mission" on March 28, transferring much of the agency's operations to the State Department. The document stated the move would "obviate the need for USAID to continue operating as an independent establishment." Emails indicate Lewin had still not completed onboarding by March 31.
Appointment Under Unusual Provision
Lewin provided WIRED with two documents dated March 18, including an appointment by Rubio under provision 22 U.S.C. § 2385(b) of the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act. This provision allows appointments without standard civil service protocols. A former USAID official told WIRED the provision was "so unconventional that I'd never seen it used before."
Lewin maintained he was a regular government employee with valid security clearance throughout the period, stating USAID HR confusion was resolved once they were made aware of his dual appointment and State Department position. The Independent has contacted the State Department for comment.
