The USAID Website Shuts Down

The USAID website remains shut down as the Trump Administration tackles how foreign aid funds are run throughout the agency.

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What is USAID?

During the Cold War, the John F. Kennedy Administration started the USAID government organization to provide aid to developing countries abroad. Furthermore, the U.S. practiced the theory of containment and hoped that U.S. foreign aid would establish strong allies while also combating Soviet influence. According to usa.gov “The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.” Containing communism is no longer a priority for USAID today; however, the agencies' contributions to developing countries remain vital to humanitarian efforts today. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, the agency still provides crucial support, food, medicine, etc. to foreign developing countries. USAID still works to combat negative political influence, such as Chinese and/or communist ideologies, abroad.

Screenshot from the USAID Website

The Trump Administration Combats the Importance of USAID

Today, The Trump administration is now questioning the significance of the aid provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and how funds are used in the organization in their efforts to combat issues arising abroad. According to AP News, “Critics say the programs are wasteful and promote liberal propaganda.” Due to President Trump's ninety-day freeze of foreign assistance, many at the USAID department have lost their jobs and departments due to inadequate funding. Furthermore, previous crucial programs funded by USAID are now being abandoned due to insufficient funding. Such programs include combating the HIV crisis in Africa, providing medical assistance to shelters in Mexico, etc. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has also played a role in the USAID losing funds. Musk was quoted describing the organization as a “criminal organization”. With Musk’s comments, many Democrats are now bringing into question the negative impacts arising from Musk taking office in the U.S. Federal Government. For now, USAID is deciding how to move forward, and making an effort to challenge the decisions impacting their work and the people they serve.

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