How USAID and Its $50 Billion Budget Became a Target for Reform

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Supporters say the 64-year-old agency is vital. Critics claim it is off mission, unaccountable, and poorly managed.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was a little-noticed federal agency until it suddenly became the object of a fierce political battle over the limits of presidential power and the accountability of government bureaucracies.

When the Trump administration closed the agency’s offices on Feb. 3 and later placed most employees on administrative leave, USAID took center stage in a drama unfolding at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.

On one side is the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to make all parts of the executive branch comply with the president’s agenda. On the other side are congressional Democrats, who are warning that the action is a dangerous abuse of executive power and are vowing to fight it.

Meanwhile, many observers fear that USAID’s true purpose—to advance U.S. interests through the use of soft power—may be overlooked.

On Feb. 3, President Donald Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting director of USAID. The next day, the president indicated that the agency may be shuttered and its functions permanently transferred to the State Department.

Here is why critics want to abolish or reform the agency, supporters want to save it, and what may happen next.

Influence as Power

USAID was established by an executive order of President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to advance U.S. foreign policy by offering developing nations technical assistance, help with education and health care, and disaster relief.

The idea was that turning poor countries into stable world citizens would benefit U.S. citizens, too. A stable, prosperous nation makes a good ally, the theory went.

Champions of USAID continue to see it as both an essential tool for foreign policy and a tangible expression of the goodness and generosity of the U.S. people.

Most observers agree that the agency does some good. Relatively small by Washington’s standards, USAID employs about 10,000 people and controls an annual budget of about $50 billion.

In 2023, USAID poured $10.5 billion into humanitarian aid and $10.5 billion into health programs in countries around the world, according to the Congressional Research Service.

One program that is often touted as a shining success story is the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a USAID program that has provided more than $110 billion for controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS in more than 50 countries.

By Lawrence Wilson

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

President Trump’s UN Message: Strength in an Age of Folly 

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly this week that was equal parts indictment and invitation.

Zelensky Is Manipulating Trump Into A Disaster Of Epic Proportions

Trump’s flip-flop on Ukraine is leading to Trump's manipulation by Zelensky into a disaster of epic proportions if Trump doesn’t soon wise up.  

Pregnant TikTok Goblins Gobble Tylenol, Demand #AutismAcceptance

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. and President Trump announced findings that Tylenol use in pregnant women and babies may be associated with increased risk of autism.

Is Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Looking More Like a Conspiracy?

Enough videos have been posted to the internet, plenty...

Fox News Exploits MN Church Massacre to Push AI ‘Early Intervention’ Crime Suppression

Don’t let the technocrats’ performative empathy and calls for prayer in aftermath of a man-made disaster deceive; dead kids are golden opportunities for the national security state.

US Economy Grows 3.8 Percent in 2nd Quarter, Surpasses Market Forecasts

According to the BEA, second-quarter GDP growth rate was 3.8%, higher than initial estimate of 3%, reflecting upward revision to consumer spending.

DHS to Bolster Security at ICE Offices After Dallas Attack

DHS said agency will bolster security at its field offices and facilities in after shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas.

Starbucks to Cut 900 Jobs, Shutter Underperforming Stores

Starbucks will eliminate approximately 900 jobs and close underperforming stores in North America as part of corporate restructuring efforts.

US National Guard Surpasses 2025 Recruitment Targets

The National Guard has exceeded its recruiting goals for fiscal year 2025, the Department of War (DOW), said in a Sept. 24 statement.

Trump to Host Turkish President Erdogan to Discuss Trade, Defense

President Trump will welcome Turkish President Erdogan to the White House on Sept. 25 to discuss a Boeing deal and bilateral issues.

Trump Announces New Executive Order to Dismantle Antifa

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would be signing a new executive order to dismantle Antifa networks in the United States.

Trump Hangs Portrait of Joe Biden Autopen in New White House Presidential Wall of Fame

President Donald Trump hangs portrait of Joe bidden autopen in new White House Presidential Wall of Fame after joking about doing so in an interview.

Trump Warns Against Globalist Agendas in UN Address, Holds Bilaterals

President Trump speaks at the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the gathering focused on “peace, development, and human rights.”
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central