U.S. Ends 83% of USAID Programs: Foreign Aid Overhaul Sparks Controversy

The U.S. has terminated 83% of USAID programs, cutting 5,200 initiatives and integrating the rest into the State Department. The move, following Trump's executive order, raises legal, ethical, and global stability concerns.

In a significant policy shift, the United States has announced the termination of 83% of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, effectively ending approximately 5,200 out of 6,200 initiatives. The remaining 1,000 programs will be integrated into the State Department, as confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

This decision follows President Donald Trump's earlier executive order, "Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid," which mandated a 90-day suspension of all foreign development assistance programs to conduct a comprehensive review. The order criticized the existing foreign aid framework as misaligned with American interests and values, suggesting it destabilized global peace by promoting ideas contrary to harmonious international relations. 

The abrupt termination has raised significant legal and ethical concerns. A federal judge ruled that President Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by freezing funds appropriated by Congress for foreign aid. However, the court did not mandate the reinstatement of the canceled contracts but ordered the swift repayment of funds owed to aid groups. 

The shutdown has also led to internal turmoil within USAID. Employees were instructed to destroy sensitive documents, including classified materials and personnel records, as part of the agency's closure process. This directive has prompted unions representing government employees and NGOs to seek legal intervention, arguing that such actions violate federal record-keeping laws and could impede ongoing legal challenges against the agency's restructuring. 

Critics argue that the dismantling of USAID could have far-reaching implications for global health, democracy promotion, and emergency response efforts. The cessation of programs providing emergency nutritional support and clean water initiatives in conflict zones has left many vulnerable populations without essential aid. Additionally, tens of thousands of jobs have been affected, with staff and contractors facing abrupt terminations. 

The restructuring has also raised concerns about the potential for increased global influence by nations like China. With the U.S. reducing its foreign aid footprint, there is apprehension that China may expand its Belt and Road Initiative, filling the void left by USAID's withdrawal and thereby enhancing its geopolitical influence. 

As the situation unfolds, legal battles continue, and the global community watches closely to assess the long-term impacts of this unprecedented shift in U.S. foreign aid policy.