The Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have halted thousands of programs, affecting everything from disease prevention in Myanmar to fisheries in Ghana. A leaked 368-page document reviewed by Reuters details the extent of the slashed contracts, following President Trump’s January 20 order to freeze nearly all U.S. foreign aid under his "America First" policy.
While the administration claims to have saved taxpayers billions by canceling contracts and eliminating waste, critics argue there’s little evidence to support these claims. The cuts have severely impacted USAID’s global efforts, jeopardizing food aid, medical support, and disease prevention programs. One terminated initiative aimed to eradicate malaria in Myanmar, while another supported HIV control in the Dominican Republic. The decision has raised concerns about weakening U.S. influence, allowing rivals like China and Russia to step in.
Lawmakers, including some Republicans, have demanded more transparency. Pete Marocco, director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance, faced intense scrutiny from congressional committees. However, many lawmakers left the meetings frustrated, claiming Marocco failed to provide adequate explanations and offered no concrete proof of widespread fraud in foreign aid programs.
Senator Jeff Merkley criticized the cuts, emphasizing their detrimental impact on humanitarian efforts and U.S. global leadership. "You’re burning down the village because you found a few termites in a post," he said. Critics also argue the administration’s actions may be unconstitutional, as Congress holds the power to allocate funding.
The State Department has declined to comment on the congressional meetings. As opposition grows, the long-term consequences of these cuts on global aid and U.S. diplomatic relations remain uncertain.