Secretary of State Marco Rubio Announces Cancellation of 83% of USAID Programs

In a significant policy shift, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced today that the Trump administration has canceled 83% of the programs under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) following a comprehensive six-week review. The remaining programs, approximately 18%, will be integrated into the State Department to ensure more effective management and alignment with U.S. national interests.

Rubio stated that the review led to the cancellation of 5,200 contracts, which had previously allocated 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. He expressed gratitude to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and staff for their efforts in implementing these reforms.

USAID, established in 1961, has been the world's largest provider of humanitarian aid, channeling nearly $32.5 billion to countries such as Ukraine, Jordan, and Ethiopia. The agency's mission has been to promote global development and humanitarian assistance, reflecting long-standing U.S. foreign policy objectives.

The decision to significantly reduce USAID's programs is part of the administration's broader agenda to cut government spending and streamline operations. Elon Musk, serving as a special White House employee, has been a vocal critic of USAID, referring to it as a "criminal organization" and advocating for its dissolution. Musk's involvement in the agency's downsizing has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially given a prior probe into Starlink, a company he operates.

The abrupt termination of numerous contracts has led to job losses for tens of thousands and posed logistical challenges for USAID staff overseas. Critics argue that these cuts could diminish U.S. influence globally and create a vacuum that rivals like China might fill through initiatives such as the Belt and Road.

Constitutional law experts have raised questions about the legality of shutting down USAID without congressional approval, citing the agency's establishment under the Foreign Assistance Act. Additionally, policy analysts warn that reducing foreign aid could undermine U.S. national security by destabilizing regions that have benefited from American assistance.

Despite these concerns, the administration is moving forward with the restructuring, emphasizing a more focused approach to foreign aid that directly benefits U.S. interests. The long-term impact of these changes on global development and America's role in international humanitarian efforts remains to be seen.

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