Trump calls for closure of USAID
President Donald Trump on Friday called for the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), escalating his efforts to dismantle the government aid agency.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social app, Trump wrote, “THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE. CLOSE IT DOWN!”
Since beginning his second term last month, Trump has pushed to downsize or eliminate parts of the U.S. government, with USAID as a primary target.
Significant cuts
The agency, which distributes humanitarian aid worldwide, has faced significant cuts under his administration. Thousands of its foreign-based staff have been ordered to return to the U.S., and foreign aid has been frozen.
A recent report in The New York Times revealed that USAID’s current workforce of 10,000 employees could be reduced to around 300.
Labour unions are contesting the legality of these measures, which include buyout offers to federal workers.
Democrats in Congress argue that Trump cannot shut down government agencies without legislative approval. Despite this, Trump has also announced plans to close the Department of Education.
Operates in 120 countries
USAID operates health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries, including some of the world’s poorest regions. It is considered a key tool of U.S. soft power, particularly in countering influence from rivals like China.
Critics, including hard-right Republicans and libertarians, have long questioned USAID’s necessity, calling its spending wasteful.
Trump’s administration has intensified these criticisms, accusing the agency of widespread fraud without providing evidence.
The U.S. currently allocates about $58 billion annually for international assistance, representing less than 1.4% of total government spending over the past 25 years, according to the Pew Research Centre.
The future of USAID remains uncertain as debates continue.
By Abdullahi Lamino
