BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA: Volunteers at the Zanzalima Camp for Internally Displaced People unload … [+]
President Trump’s inauguration day saw a significant impact on U.S. foreign aid, with a 90-day spending freeze affecting various forms of aid, including health and food assistance. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the most affected entities, with offices ordered to shut down and senior officials placed on administrative leave as the agency’s future is being considered by President Trump and cabinet members.
USA Today reports that USAID’s website is offline, employees have been instructed to stay home, and security guards are blocking the entrance. Elon Musk announced plans with Trump to completely shut down USAID.
USAID’s activities include food aid in conflict zones, clean water provision, maternal and infant health support, and disease prevention efforts. The Trump administration is reviewing foreign aid agencies, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking on the role of acting director of USAID to assess funding allocations based on evidence of their impact on U.S. security and prosperity.
While the future of USAID remains uncertain, reports suggest a possible merger with the U.S. Department of State, which could lead to significant funding and staff reductions. Established in the 1960s, USAID operates globally with a focus on humanitarian aid programs, receiving over $44 billion in federal funding in 2024.
The potential dismantling of USAID could have profound effects on global humanitarian efforts, as the U.S. is the largest donor of international aid. Trump’s actions also impact initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the President’s Malaria Initiative, threatening crucial health programs worldwide.
By withdrawing from the World Health Organization and reducing support for neglected tropical diseases, the U.S. risks diminishing its role in combating infectious diseases that affect millions of people in tropical regions. Historically, U.S. aid agencies have played a significant role in addressing these health challenges.
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