Trump Administration Slashes USAID Programs, Prioritizing ‘America First’ Foreign Policy

The Trump administration has terminated over 80% of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs. This action follows a comprehensive six-week review aimed at ensuring taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively and in alignment with America’s priorities.​

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of approximately 5,200 contracts, stating that these programs had expended tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, and in some cases even harmed, the core national interests of the United States. The remaining programs, about 1,000 in total, will now be administered more effectively under the State Department, in consultation with Congress. 

This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to scrutinize and reform federal spending. Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, President Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid to assess its alignment with his “America First” foreign policy.

Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been instrumental in this reform. Musk emphasized that these cuts were necessary to prevent potential bankruptcy and to ensure that government spending is both efficient and effective. ​

The restructuring of USAID has led to significant workforce reductions. Reports indicate that the agency’s global staff has been reduced from approximately 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees. This downsizing reflects a shift towards a more streamlined approach to foreign aid, focusing on programs that directly serve U.S. interests. ​

Critics argue that these cuts could have adverse effects on global health and humanitarian efforts. However, proponents contend that a more targeted foreign aid strategy will better serve both U.S. interests and global stability by eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring aid effectiveness.​