Contractors under the Trump administration have removed a memorial wall honoring 99 fallen USAID staffers from its former headquarters, as part of the agency's dismantling. The removal has sparked concern among families and lawmakers about the respectful treatment of the memorial, with uncertainty surrounding its new location. The Trump administration, with support from the Department of Government Efficiency, moved quickly to close USAID's headquarters and terminate staff, considering its mission wasteful. Notices of a contract to relocate the wall have been issued, with suggestions for its new home including the State Department, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, or the National Cathedral. The memorial's fate remains unclear, with some advocating for it to be placed in a rented office as an alternative solution.

The memorial wall at USAID's former headquarters commemorated 99 staffers who died in service, and its removal is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency by the Trump administration.

Concerns have arisen about the respectful handling of the memorial, which has been removed without an immediate decision on its new location, leading to anxiety among families and lawmakers.

President Trump, with support from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, swiftly moved to close USAID's headquarters, terminating most staff and projects within weeks of his inauguration.

A contract valued at $41,142.16 was issued for the removal and relocation of the memorial wall, with a deadline set for June 6, though details about its final destination remain undisclosed.

Potential new locations for the memorial include the State Department, which oversees remaining USAID programs, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, or the National Cathedral.

A security guard suggested the memorial might be moved to the State Department, but supporters have also proposed other significant locations to honor the fallen staffers appropriately.

A counterproposal for the memorial's relocation involves placing it in a rented office, highlighting the diverse perspectives on how best to preserve the tribute to those who served.