USAID to Close as Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Take Full Effect
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has officially announced plans to close the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), marking a dramatic reduction in US foreign aid.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the State Department and USAID had notified Congress about their intent to restructure the agency.
According to the statement, by July 1, 2025, USAID functions will either be reassigned to the State Department or discontinued entirely if they don’t align with the administration’s priorities.
Why is USAID Being Shut Down?
Rubio justified the decision by stating that USAID had deviated from its original mission, making its operations costly and inefficient.
This move follows President Trump’s earlier executive order freezing foreign aid for 90 days, leading to significant budget cuts across USAID programs. While some humanitarian aid programs were exempted, the overall funding saw drastic reductions.
Reactions and Concerns
The announcement has sparked outrage among lawmakers and global aid organizations. Senate Democrats on the Committee on Foreign Relations condemned the decision, warning that the reorganization would cripple ongoing programs and overwhelm the State Department.
“This proposal is illegal, dangerous, and inefficient,” the committee stated, emphasizing that USAID’s dissolution could severely impact international development efforts.
Before its closure, USAID managed an annual budget of nearly $43 billion, providing over 40% of global humanitarian aid.
The agency’s workforce has been significantly reduced, with most employees placed on administrative leave following Trump’s inauguration.
What’s Next?
A leaked internal memo revealed that all non-essential jobs at USAID would be eliminated in the coming months. Jeremy Lewin, the acting head of USAID, informed staff that the agency’s independent operations would soon be retired.
As the July deadline approaches, concerns grow over the fate of US-funded development programs worldwide. Many fear that the absence of USAID could create a void in critical humanitarian assistance, leaving millions without essential support.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for more updates on this developing story.
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