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The vital link between
food & hunger

Trump Administration's Move to Dismantle USAID Sparks Controversy

Writer's picture: Analese HartfordAnalese Hartford

WASHINGTON D.C. — In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration, with the involvement of Elon Musk, has initiated steps to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance since its establishment in 1961.


Over the weekend, USAID staff were instructed to work remotely and denied access to the agency's Washington, D.C., headquarters. This directive followed actions by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which accessed USAID's classified systems and advocated for the agency's closure. Musk labeled USAID as "beyond repair" and suggested it should be shut down.


Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed the role of acting administrator of USAID, citing concerns over staff insubordination. He emphasized the need for the agency to align more closely with American foreign policy objectives. "That sort of level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of mature and serious review that I think foreign aid at large should have," Rubio stated.


Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have expressed alarm over these developments. They argue that dismantling USAID could undermine U.S. foreign policy and have severe humanitarian consequences. USAID manages approximately $43 billion in aid programs globally, supporting initiatives ranging from disease prevention to economic development.


The administration contends that these actions are part of a broader effort to streamline federal operations and ensure that foreign aid aligns with national interests. However, the abrupt nature of the changes and the lack of clear evidence supporting claims of mismanagement have fueled ongoing debates about the future of U.S. foreign assistance.


As the situation unfolds, the international community and aid recipients are closely monitoring the potential impacts on global humanitarian efforts.

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