The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the nation's primary overseas aid agency, faces significant changes under the Trump administration. Reports indicate plans to merge USAID with the Department of State, potentially leading to substantial cuts in funding and workforce, raising concerns among employees and humanitarian organizations alike.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused USAID's leadership of "insubordination" and has asserted his role as acting head of the agency. This move follows strong criticisms from former President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk, who have called the agency's effectiveness into question.

The implications of this merger could be profound, affecting humanitarian programs worldwide. Established in the early 1960s, USAID administers U.S. foreign aid initiatives and currently employs approximately 10,000 personnel, with two-thirds stationed overseas across over 60 countries. Much of its operational work is conducted through contractors and partner organizations, allowing for a wide range of programs, from emergency food aid to health initiatives addressing disease outbreaks, such as polio vaccinations and pandemic prevention efforts.

Critics of the proposed changes, including various Democratic lawmakers, argue that dismantling USAID may be unconstitutional, jeopardizing essential services that depend on U.S. support. 

Financially, USAID represents a significant portion of U.S. international aid, which totaled $68 billion in 2023. USAID's budget accounted for over half of that expenditure—approximately $40 billion—primarily directed toward programs in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe, with significant aid to Ukraine amid ongoing humanitarian needs.

Trump's opposition to overseas aid spending is longstanding, asserting that it does not equate to value for American taxpayers. Public sentiment has historically favored cuts to foreign aid, with polls indicating widespread support for reductions. In fact, upon his return to office, Trump enacted an executive order suspending most international spending for a review period, causing disruptions to various humanitarian initiatives.

As discussions continue around the future of USAID, the potential consolidation could reshape the landscape of U.S. foreign assistance, prompting urgent dialogue about priorities and responsibilities in international development.

^{Source: BBC}

^{Photo: ReuterBoth Elon Musk and Donald Trump have been strongly critical of US overseas spending, Photo: EPA}