ALBAWABA – Upon his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of USAID assistance programs to the Middle East and several other countries.
Trump and Musk want to permanently suspend USAID
US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent agency of the US government responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Trump made his decision last month, just a few days after his official inauguration.
Notably, Trump and Elon Musk, the businessman and US government special employee known for his key roles in the automotive company Tesla, Inc. and the space company SpaceX, are both advocating for the permanent suspension of USAID's funding and assistance programs.
Earlier, Trump expressed his thoughts on shutting down USAID completely. Musk, on the other hand, stated last week that Trump asked him to reduce costs for federal spending. Musk also expressed his intention to shut down USAID, calling it a ‘criminal organization.’
"USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die," Musk said. A USAID senior official commented on Musk’s remarks: “We are not criminals. Where are Republican Senators like Senator Graham and Risch who have supported the good work of this agency in the past? Will they speak out? Yes, USAID needs reform, like all agencies, but we’d expect this to come with a degree of thought and involvement from Congress,” as reported by ABC News.
USAID managed over $40 billion in 2023, representing 1% of the US federal budget, a figure they are both working to reduce. (Shutterstock)
Notably, Trump announced the suspension of all USAID operations and assistance programs for 90 days and dismissed hundreds of employees. The agency was responsible for improving health, alleviating poverty, and promoting human rights and democracy in low-income countries around the world.
Both Trump and Musk claim that USAID programs and funds are negatively impacting the US and its economy, as the agency managed over $40 billion in 2023, representing 1% of the US federal budget, a figure they are both working to reduce.
Most affected countries
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds approximately 130 countries around the world, with Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia at the top of the list.
USAID implements its projects through partnerships with local NGOs, contractors, universities, international organizations, and foreign governments.
