Discussions within the administration about placing USAID under the direct control of the State Department have heightened concerns that America's premier humanitarian agency could be dismantled or significantly downsized.
In the wake of the funding freeze, USAID has been thrown into turmoil. Hundreds of employees and contractors have been either laid off or furloughed, with nearly 60 senior career officials reportedly sidelined. Overseas operations have ground to a halt, while thousands of additional positions remain at risk.
Signs of the agency's diminishing presence were stark on Friday, as prominent markers at USAID's Washington headquarters were removed, fueling speculation that a complete shutdown could be imminent.
Democratic lawmakers have been quick to push back against any potential restructuring, emphasizing that USAID operates as an independent entity by law. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a statement warning that 'any proposal to modify [USAID's] structure would require an Act of Congress.'
Senator Chris Murphy echoed this sentiment, stating that 'a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.'
Despite the agency's growing instability, President Trump has yet to appoint a leader to oversee USAID. Media reports indicate that Pete Marocco, a Trump administration official with a history at USAID, is leading efforts to shrink the agency's workforce and influence.
Marocco, who previously faced resistance within USAID due to attempts to consolidate control and cut funding, is now reportedly overseeing widespread personnel changes.
Critics argue that Trump's aggressive stance on foreign aid is not only disrupting humanitarian efforts but also strengthening geopolitical rivals like China, which has expanded its international aid initiatives.
Senator Chris Van Hollen remarked that 'Trump's USAID purge and foreign aid pause is already hurting efforts to deliver aid and growing China's world standing at our expense.'
Adding to the controversy, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk weighed in on the agency's fate on Sunday after a clash between USAID security officials and Trump's newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, appointed to lead DOGE, labelled USAID a 'criminal organization' after its officials reportedly denied his team access to classified materials.
'Time for it to die,' Musk posted on X, intensifying fears that the administration is intent on dismantling USAID altogether.
Further fueling speculation, USAID's website temporarily went offline over the weekend, while a stripped-down page appeared under the State Department's domain. This apparent move toward consolidation led Senator Chris Coons to accuse Trump of 'trying to gut the agency altogether.'
The U.S. remains the world's largest provider of foreign assistance, distributing $72 billion to nearly 180 countries last yearâ€"more than half of which flowed through USAID.
USAID supports a wide range of programs across Africa, focusing on health, education, economic growth, governance, climate resilience, and humanitarian assistance.
The agency, founded on November 3, 1961, has been actively involved in Rwanda since 1964, focusing on enhancing the nation's economic capacity, social climate, and environmental well-being.
In partnership with the Rwandan government, USAID implements programs aimed at improving health systems, boosting agricultural productivity, expanding livelihoods and increasing incomes, among other initiatives.
If the Trump administration follows through on its drastic changes on USAID, the global humanitarian aid landscape could shift dramatically, leaving a void that competing powers may seek to fill.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/usaid-s-future-in-limbo-following-trump-s-funding-freeze
