Updates on the future of USAID

by | Feb 9, 2025 | Blog, International Development

Through this page that we continue updating every 24 hours, we try to provide you with a full picture on the developments and the news coming from Washington DC regarding the future of USAID. Make sure you bookmark this page on your browser to keep an eye on the developments.

How to read this Page? 1) Start with the “General Updates” section, then the most recent “USAID Recent Updates” section at the bottom of the page.

 

Careers Resources related to the the ongoing decision of the U.S. administration to free foreign aid, and the plans to dissolve USAID:

 

General Updates on the Future of USAID

The Trump administration is taking steps to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), raising concerns about global security and the continuity of humanitarian aid 1 2. These actions include a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance, the removal of senior officials, suspension of others, and a broad “stop-work” order on existing programs 1 2 4. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been named acting administrator of USAID and has notified Congress of a potential reorganization, which could include merging it with the State Department 2. Key developments

  • Personnel Changes: Over 50 career civil and foreign service leaders have been removed from USAID, with hundreds of contract employees laid off or furloughed 1.
  • Program suspensions: A freeze has been put on billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, causing many programs to come to a standstill 1 4.
  • Shutdown of USAID presence: USAID’s account on X and its website have been deactivated, and employees were told not to report to headquarters 1.
  • Possible merger: There are discussions about placing USAID under the State Department’s jurisdiction 2 5. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast has suggested “removing USAID as a separate department”2.
  • Funding cuts: President Trump has stated he will end all funding to South Africa due to land confiscations, and more broadly, the administration is reviewing programs to determine which ones contribute to making America “safer, stronger, or more prosperous” 3 4.
  • Criticism of USAID: President Trump has criticized USAID as being managed by “radical lunatics,” while Elon Musk has referred to it as a “criminal organization” 5 6. Musk’s involvement stems from leading a government efficiency project 2.

 

Future of USAID

 

USAID’s Role and History

  • USAID was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to provide foreign assistance and counter Soviet influence 4 5.
  • In 2023, the U.S. allocated approximately $68 billion for international aid, with USAID’s budget accounting for over half of that amount, around $40 billion 3 6.
  • USAID distributes these funds across multiple departments and agencies, with a focus on humanitarian efforts in regions such as Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe, particularly assistance to Ukraine 6 5.
  • The U.S. is the largest global contributor to international development, significantly outpacing other nations 3 6.

Concerns and Reactions on the plans to dissolve USAID

  • Critics warn that these sweeping moves threaten to put the nation at risk and undermine its credibility around the world 2.
  • Some argue that American aid is critical in countering the rising influences of Russia and China 4.
  • Others claim that USAID programs are inefficient and promote a liberal agenda 4.
  • The changes have caused significant upheaval in international development, leading to the abrupt cessation of programs providing essential medications and clean water 6.

 

Recent news on the USAID situation

February 9, 2025:

  • Judge Blocks Staff Placements on Leave: A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s plan to put 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave, just hours before the action was set to take effect 1 2 7. Judge Carl Nichols issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by two unions seeking to protect the agency 1. The order remains in effect until February 14 1. Additionally, the ruling reinstates the 500 employees who were already on administrative leave 1.
  • Accusations Against USAID: Critics, including Elon Musk and President Trump, claim that USAID is wasteful and that its expenditures do not align with U.S. interests 5. Musk has called USAID a “criminal” organization and said it should “die” 5. Trump has stated that USAID does not provide value to taxpayers and aims to dismantle the agency 1.
  • Trump’s Authority Challenged: Trump’s plan to dissolve USAID without congressional approval has been criticized by legal experts 4. They say this action represents an unprecedented move that challenges established legal and political norms 4.
  • State Department’s Perspective: The State Department has stated that USAID has strayed from its original mission and that significant portions of its funding are not aligned with U.S. national interests 5.
  • Actions Taken Against USAID: The Trump administration has taken actions to erase the agency’s name, including removing the name from its headquarters and taking down USAID flags 7. Funding for the agency has been almost entirely shut down, impacting aid and development programs worldwide 7. Staffers and contractors have been placed on leave and locked out of agency systems, and computer servers were allegedly removed 7.