The Trump administration targeted USAID as part of his efforts to cut government spending and reduce “waste.”
According to the US Secretary of State, the US cancelled 83% of all US Organization for International Development (USAID) programs following a six-week review.
“The 5,200 currently being cancelled contracts spent hundreds of billions of dollars in ways that are (and often unharmed) in the US’s core national interest,” Rubio wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Rubio did not specify exactly which programs were cancelled or which programs could continue.
However, he added that the remaining approximately 1,000 programs will be managed “more effectively” under the State Department and in consultation with Congress.
The US diplomat also thanked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body led by billionaire Elon Musk, for its role in achieving “this expired historical reform.”
A few hours later, Musk replied: “It’s tough, but you need it. Work with you. The important part of USAID should have always been in the state department.”
Musk, following President Donald Trump’s blessing, has led a wide range of campaigns for layoffs and downsizing within the federal government, claiming that it should fight “waste” and “fraud.”
The New York Times reported last week that there was a tension between Musk and Rubio at a recent cabinet meeting on cuts to the State Department.
Usaid in tulmoil?
According to the official website, USAID is “a major US institution to expand support to countries that recover from disasters, escape poverty and engage in democratic reform.”
However, when Trump took office for his second term on January 20th, he immediately ordered a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, waiting for a review of whether the state’s aid program would align with his “America First” foreign policy.
This, and subsequent halt orders, have thrown USAID into chaos, shutting down agencies around the world’s operations, putting the provision of life-saving food and medical aid at risk, and casting global humanitarian relief efforts into chaos.
USAID previously employed more than 10,000 workers, but in late February 1,600 people were fired and 4,200 were taken on leave.
Most people on vacation are not expected to be revived. Sources told Reuters on February 6 that the Trump administration wanted staff to be cut to under 300.
Last week, hundreds of American diplomats and USAID signed a letter at the State Department denounced the planned cut.
“The decision to freeze and end foreign aid agreements and support awards without meaningful reviews will risk partnerships with key allies, erode trust and create openings for the enemy to expand their influence,” the copy seen by Reuters said.
US Sen. Bernie Sanders also condemned the dismantling of USAID last week, saying it “will lead to millions of preventable deaths.”
Before aid freezes, the United States was the world’s largest distributor of foreign aid, and USAID was the main mechanism for paying these funds.
In 2023, the US provided $72 billion in support worldwide. This has supported everything from women’s health in conflict zones to clean water access, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security and anti-corruption work.
In 2024, it reached 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.
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