- globetrotter
- 04 Feb 2025
- #Global News
In a dramatic shift for U.S. foreign aid, President Donald Trump has placed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the control of the State Department, marking a potential end to the agency’s independent operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now acting administrator of USAID, has delegated key responsibilities to Pete Marocco, a Trump ally accused of dismantling the agency from within.
A Controversial Takeover
The restructuring follows an executive order signed by Trump, freezing all foreign aid for 90 days while the administration reviews its alignment with the "America First" agenda. Elon Musk, heading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been a vocal critic of USAID, calling it a “corrupt organization” that misuses taxpayer money.
USAID employees were informed via email that their headquarters in Washington, D.C., would be closed indefinitely, forcing thousands of staff and contractors to work remotely—if at all. Over the weekend, USAID’s website went offline, its social media accounts disappeared, and its iconic logo was removed from buildings, replaced with a simplified presence on the State Department’s website.
Political and Legal Fallout
Democrats and aid groups have condemned the move, calling it an illegal power grab. “Trying to shut down USAID by executive order is plainly unconstitutional,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. Senator Chris Murphy went further, calling it a “constitutional crisis,” while Representative Jamie Raskin vowed legal action to block the agency’s dismantling.
Despite the controversy, Rubio defended the decision, saying USAID has long been an “unresponsive bureaucracy” that needs to align with U.S. foreign policy priorities. “This is not about ending all foreign aid,” he stated. “It’s about ensuring our assistance serves America’s national interests.”
Aid Workers in Limbo
The sudden restructuring has left many USAID employees in crisis. Some contractors, stranded in conflict zones, have lost access to agency support, while others have been placed on furlough without warning. “We save lives and alleviate suffering,” said one USAID staffer. “Now, we don’t even know if we’ll have jobs tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the administration’s actions have drawn concern from international partners who rely on USAID funding for disaster relief, food assistance, and health programs. Aid organizations warn that the suspension of foreign aid could have life-threatening consequences in vulnerable regions.
What’s Next?
The future of USAID remains uncertain. While Trump and Musk push for its dissolution, Congress may challenge the move, arguing that USAID’s existence is protected by law. If legal battles ensue, the agency’s fate could be decided in courtrooms rather than the Oval Office.
For now, the world watches as one of America’s most significant diplomatic tools faces unprecedented upheaval. Whether USAID survives or disappears, its restructuring marks a turning point in U.S. foreign policy—one with consequences that could be felt for years to come.
