WIRED: Trump Aide Who Dismantled USAID May Have Lacked Authority to Fire Thousands

A WIRED investigation published October 27, 2026 reported that Jeremy Lewin, a former DOGE affiliate who signed the notice eliminating USAID's remaining staff in March 2025, may not have had legal authority to direct the dismantling. Citing internal emails, WIRED said that over a week after Secretary of State Rubio gave Lewin, then 28, authority over USAID, HR was still processing his onboarding and he had not submitted a required background form. A longtime HR executive called him "the equivalent of an administrative ghost."

Lewin disputed the implications, saying he held valid federal employment and a clearance throughout, and provided WIRED a signed waiver citing special hiring authority. A White House official said he had submitted the necessary paperwork. The dispute adds to scrutiny of how USAID, dismantled outside the normal legislative process, was wound down, and whether its mass firings can withstand legal challenge.

Hours after the report, Lewin said he was leaving the administration. No agency or court has formally ruled on the authority question.