Donald Trump’s administration may eliminate the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is responsible for implementing humanitarian and democracy programmes around the world. This was reported by Reuters and the Financial Times.
Trump sharply criticised USAID, calling it an “organisation of radical lunatics”. As a result, the agency’s website was shut down and two senior officials were fired. The possibility of USAID being taken over by the US State Department is also being considered, which would significantly reduce funding for international programmes.
Musk and the fight to cut costs
Elon Musk is involved in the reform of USAID. Two agency executives were fired after they refused to give Musk’s team access to USAID’s internal systems. In his statements, the businessman accused the agency of funding biological weapons development and called for its liquidation.
Implications for international assistance
USAID is the largest donor of international aid, funding projects in healthcare, anti-corruption, water supply, and energy security. In 2023, the agency provided assistance worth $72 billion.
Trump’s decision could have catastrophic consequences:
- Suspension of the supply of medicines and food to the crisis regions.
- Curtailment of programmes to support democracy and freedom of speech.
- Financial crisis in independent media and civil society organisations, particularly in Ukraine, Moldova and the Baltic States.
Political implications
The US Democratic Party sharply criticised such actions. Senator Chris Coons said that “Trump wants to destroy USAID and abandon the US global role”.
If the agency is eliminated or absorbed by the State Department, it will open up opportunities for China and other countries to expand their influence in the areas of humanitarian aid and international support.
