The Trump administration has enacted sweeping cuts to foreign aid, eliminating over 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) contracts, totaling approximately $60 billion.
This move aligns with President Trump’s “America First” policy, aiming to reduce government spending and refocus resources domestically. A senior State Department official commented, “In just a few weeks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has identified billions of dollars of savings for the American taxpayer.”
The cuts have led to the closure of numerous aid programs worldwide, affecting millions who rely on U.S. assistance. Notable program closures include the suspension of malnutrition treatment in Congo and food assistance for over a million people in Ethiopia.
Domestically, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been instrumental in identifying and eliminating wasteful spending. However, a Wall Street Journal analysis suggests that DOGE’s claimed savings of $55 billion may be overstated, with actual savings closer to $2.6 billion over the next year.
The administration’s actions have faced legal challenges. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily paused a lower court’s order to resume foreign aid while evaluating the administration’s request to block the order.
Critics argue that these cuts could diminish U.S. influence abroad, allowing adversaries like China and Russia to fill the void. Senate Democrats have expressed concerns that reducing aid undermines America’s strategic interests and global standing.
As the administration continues its cost-cutting measures, the long-term impacts on global humanitarian efforts and U.S. foreign relations remain uncertain.
