USAID: The Foreign Aid Agency Trump Is Targeting

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has made significant changes to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving aid organizations uncertain about the future of their programs. But what exactly is USAID, and why is it being targeted by the Trump administration?



USAID was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War. Its mission was to provide foreign aid and promote U.S. interests abroad, countering Soviet influence. Today, USAID operates in over 60 countries, focusing on areas such as food security, healthcare, infrastructure and development, and humanitarian aid.

One of the primary reasons behind the Trump administration's targeting of USAID is criticism of foreign aid spending. President Trump has long been critical of foreign aid, arguing that it lacks value for U.S. taxpayers. This sentiment is reflected in his executive order pausing international spending for 90 days, which led to the suspension of multiple aid programs. Additionally, public opinion polls have historically favored reducing foreign aid, indicating a broader sentiment of skepticism towards the agency's effectiveness.

Another factor contributing to the Trump administration's targeting of USAID is the influence of Elon Musk, a key Trump advisor. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has launched a sweeping effort to fire government workers and cut trillions in government spending, with USAID being one of his prime targets. Musk has alleged that USAID funding has been used to launch deadly programs and has called the agency a "criminal organization."

The Trump administration's aim was a program-by-program review of which projects make "America safer, stronger or more prosperous." The decision to shut down U.S.-funded programs during the 90-day review was made to get more cooperation from recipients of humanitarian, development, and security assistance.

However, USAID's actual performance and impact on global development and humanitarian efforts do not align with the reasons behind its targeting. USAID has a proven track record of success in various areas, including food security, healthcare, infrastructure and development, and humanitarian aid. For instance, in the 2023 fiscal year, the U.S. gave more than $6.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, which could suffer more than any other region during the aid pause.



In conclusion, the Trump administration's reasons for targeting USAID are not supported by the agency's actual performance and impact on global development and humanitarian efforts. USAID's work in food security, healthcare, infrastructure and development, and humanitarian aid has had a significant positive impact on numerous countries and regions around the world. Despite the administration's efforts to cut funding and reduce the agency's workforce, USAID's vital role in global humanitarian aid and development cannot be overlooked.