President Donald Trump is on a mission when it comes to gutting USAID. Reportedly, the Trump administration said it is eliminating more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts and nearly $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance around the world, putting numbers on its plans to eliminate the majority of U.S. development and humanitarian help abroad.
Reportedly, the cuts detailed by the administration would leave few surviving USAID projects for advocates to try to save in what are ongoing court battles with the administration.
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The Trump administration shared its plans of financial downsizing in an internal memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press, and in documents filed as part of a federal lawsuit on Wednesday. The memo said officials were “clearing significant waste stemming from decades of institutional drift.”
It is believed the reason that Trump and Elon Musk are going after USAID so hard is because they think that the agency is trying to promote a “Liberal agenda.”
What is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), established in 1961, is the U.S. government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and promoting global development. USAID’s mission focuses on reducing poverty, advancing democratic governance, improving health, and supporting economic growth worldwide.
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It works in over 100 countries, addressing various sectors such as health by combating diseases like HIV/AIDS and improving maternal and child health; education by enhancing literacy and access to quality education; economic growth by creating jobs and fostering sustainable development; and democracy by supporting human rights and good governance.
Additionally, USAID provides humanitarian assistance in response to crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts. USAID collaborates with other governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local partners to implement its programs, aiming to build resilient communities, improve living standards, and promote peace and stability across the globe.