In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently declared the end of a six-week evaluation process that scrutinized programs of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization over six decades old. This significant examination, overseen by Trump’s political appointees and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency teams, has led to the elimination of approximately 82% of USAID programs. While Rubio announced that 18% of these programs would be preserved and moved under the State Department’s supervision, the drastic cutback is part of a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy aimed at reducing what the Trump administration deems to be wasteful foreign aid that allegedly promotes a liberal agenda.
The executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 20 initiated a pause on foreign assistance funding and instigated a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign aid and development initiatives worldwide. According to Trump, much of this financial assistance was not serving the core national interests of the United States.
Rubio’s acknowledgment of this reform was made in a post on social media. He expressed gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly to fulfill this “historic reform” and to DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Nevertheless, legal challenges are emerging due to this policy change. Critics argue that the abrupt termination of these programs contravenes the established law that requires congressional approval for such actions.
The USAID’s dismantlement and the consequent geopolitical shifts signal a stark departure from a decades-old principle that viewed humanitarian and development aid as crucial tools for fostering global stability and supporting U.S. allies. The rapid shutdown has led to thousands of layoffs and has left many aid workers and their families abroad without expected U.S.-paid expenses and back payments. This change in approach and the legal battles that ensue indicate a profound transformation in the United States’ international aid policies.
Source: https://time.com/7266323/rubio-usaid-purge-ending-trump-administration/
