Article shared by Lou Mendez
Summary
The Trump administration appears to be weakening USAID, possibly to merge it with the State Department or effectively dismantle it. Key actions include freezing billions in foreign aid, sidelining senior officials, and leaving the agency without an administrator. While a formal merger would require congressional approval, critics worry Trump is undermining USAID’s independence through backdoor tactics. Democrats argue this move would harm U.S. humanitarian efforts and global influence, while some Republicans support restructuring. The situation may serve as a test case for downsizing other federal agencies.
Key quote
“Trump has already frozen virtually all our foreign aid — what about that would lead anyone to believe he gives a damn about USAID?” — Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
USAID was established in 1961, when JFK signed an executive order after the Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act. Konyndyk said. "To actually disestablish the agency and dissolve it into the State Department will take an act of Congress." He is the president of the aid group Refugees International. He led disaster relief under Obama and the COVID and mpox responses under Biden at USAID.
ReplyDeleteI am sure legal battles will begin soon.