On his first day in office on January 20th, President Trump implemented a 90-day freeze on foreign aid.
Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Bureau, known as Doge, has since begun a drastic effort to cut trillions of government spending. USAID is one of his latest targets.
Musk calls USAID a “crime organisation.”
On Monday, February 3, the Trump administration moved to dismantle the US International Development Agency, putting hundreds of employees on leave, and billionaire Elon Musk shutting down an agency that oversees foreign aid After stating that it was in the contract.
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump criticized him for being “run by a bunch of radical madmen.” According to NBC News.
What is USAID?
USAID is the world’s largest foreign aid agency.
It was created in 1961 as an independent body under an executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy.
What does USAID stand for?
USAID stands for US International Development Organization
The USAID website is no longer available
If you try to go directly through the USAID website, USAID.GOV, or other US government websites, such as USA.gov, you will receive a message that you are unable to reach the site.
What is USAID?
“The United States International Development Organization (USAID) is the leading US institution to recover from disasters, escape poverty and expand support to countries engaged in democratic reform,” USA.gov website I mentioned.
The sector’s archived website stated that the agency’s mission is to “promote and demonstrate democratic values overseas and advance a free, peaceful and prosperous world.”
USAID had over 10,000 staff.
How much money did Usaid give?
In 2023, USAID managed more than $40 billion, according to Congressional Research Services.
The funds went to everything from women’s health in conflict zones to clean water, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security and anti-corruption work.
According to USASPENDING.GOV, in 2024, agencies received more than $44 billion in federal funds from Congress, accounting for 0.4% of the total federal budget.
Types of programs funded by USAID
Some of the programs funded by USAID include:
Doge also reported that it provided USAID:
Burma’s DEI Scholarship $5 million awards to private recipients for consultant-led ESG (environment, social and governance) investment in Africa
Countries supported by USAID
According to Congressional Research Services, in 2023, USAID provided assistance to around 130 countries. The top 10 recipients in USAID management were as follows:
Ukraine Ethiopia Jordan Dendon Democratic Congo Samaria EmenafghanistanAnigar Ashsuudilia
Why does Musk want to dismantle USAID?
Musk criticized USAID several times on X, previously known as Twitter, saying, “The levels of corruption and waste are unrealistic!”
He also questioned what the funds actually achieved. This pointed to another post claiming that only 10% of the funds reached the overseas community.
What should USAID supporters, critics say about USAID?
According to an Apsociated Press report, USAID supporters argue that US support is “opposed to the influence of Russia and China.”
Critics say that the program is useless and promotes liberal agendas.
“Republicans are usually pushing for greater control of their policies and funds to the State Department, which provides overall foreign policy guidance to USAID.
“Democrats usually promote USAID autonomy and authority,” the Associated Press reported.
Former Florida Senator Marco Rubio has appointed a proxy administrator for USAID
Trump has appointed Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Rubio notified Congress that a review of USAID’s foreign aid activities is ongoing with a look at a potential restructuring.
“The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has long stumbled from its original mission to responsibly advance US interests overseas. At present, a key part of USAID funding is in line with the core US interests. It is abundantly clear that there is none. “Rubio said on the State Department website.
