Get To Know a Federal Agency – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

What is USAID?

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal agency that provides foreign assistance to developing countries and regions in need. Established in 1961, USAID’s mission is to advance economic growth, promote global health, support humanitarian assistance, enhance education, foster democracy and governance, and protect the environment. The agency collaborates with governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to implement programs that address what the agency determines to be global challenges and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

How much money is distributed by USAID annually?

USAID distributes approximately $27 billion annually to support its various programs and initiatives. This funding is allocated to address a wide range of issues.

Funding Prior to Trump Administration

• Global Health Programs: USAID has historically funded initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, as well as maternal and child health programs.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Support for food security, emergency responses, and disaster relief efforts in regions affected by natural disasters and conflicts.
• Economic Growth: Programs to promote economic development through trade, investment, and infrastructure projects in developing countries.
• Education: Investments in improving access to education, teacher training, and educational resources in developing countries.
• Democracy and Governance: Efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and support civil society organizations.
• Environmental Programs: Initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting biodiversity.
• Food Security: Programs to improve agricultural productivity, enhance nutrition, and support rural livelihoods.
• Water and Sanitation: Efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in underserved communities.
• Women’s Empowerment: Programs to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in various sectors, including education, health, and economic development.

Actions Taken by the Trump Administration with USAID

During the tenure of the Trump Administration, significant changes were implemented in the operations and focus of USAID (United States Agency for International Development). Various policy shifts and strategic realignments were executed, reflecting the administration’s broader goals and priorities.

Funding Adjustments

The Trump Administration proposed significant budget cuts to foreign aid, which impacted USAID’s funding allocations. Notably, there were reductions in funds allocated to global health programs, humanitarian assistance, and climate change initiatives. These cuts were part of a broader effort to reduce the federal budget and prioritize domestic spending.

Policy Shifts

USAID experienced a shift in policy focus during the Trump Administration, emphasizing economic development and trade over traditional humanitarian aid. This included promoting private sector engagement and investment in developing countries as a means to foster sustainable economic growth.

Operational Changes

Under the Trump Administration, USAID underwent structural changes aimed at increasing efficiency and accountability. These changes included streamlining operations and reducing bureaucratic overhead. Leadership was encouraged to adopt a more business-oriented approach to aid and development.

Reduction-in-Force

One of the most impactful actions taken was the implementation of a Reduction-in-Force (RIF), which affected approximately 1,600 USAID personnel stationed in the United States. This move was part of broader efforts to downsize the agency and reallocate resources to more critical areas as determined by the administration.

Should the United States be Funding these Global Initiatives?

Global Health Programs

While traditional global health programs such as combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis continued to receive support, there was a notable shift towards promoting health security and preparedness. This includes efforts to strengthen health systems in developing countries to better manage and respond to health crises. A more preventative approach.

Humanitarian Assistance

Humanitarian aid under the Trump Administration focuses more on emergency responses and disaster relief efforts, with a reduced emphasis on long-term development projects overseas. The administration prioritized rapid response mechanisms to address immediate needs arising from natural disasters and conflicts abroad.

Economic Growth

Economic development initiatives were emphasized, promoting trade, investment, and infrastructure projects. There was a concerted effort to leverage private sector involvement and partnership to drive economic growth in developing regions.

Education

Though funding for educational programs saw reductions, investments were made to improve access to education, teacher training, and educational resources. Prior administrations supported initiatives that aligned with its economic and developmental goals.

Democracy and Governance

Democracy promotion and strengthening governance were underscored, with efforts to support democratic institutions and human rights. This included backing civil society organizations and encouraging transparent governance practices in partner countries.

Environmental Programs

Environmental initiatives experienced budget cuts, particularly those aimed at addressing climate change. However, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity protection received some support, in line with prior administrations focus on practical and immediate environmental concerns.

Food Security

Efforts to improve agricultural productivity and enhance nutrition continued, albeit with a reduced budget. Programs aimed at supporting rural livelihoods and ensuring food security were adjusted to fit prior administrations broader strategic goals.

Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation facilities remained a priority, with continued efforts to support underserved communities. However, funding levels were adjusted to reflect the administration’s budgetary constraints.

Women’s Empowerment

Programs promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in various sectors continued, though with an emphasis on economic participation and development. The administration supported initiatives that aligned with its focus on economic growth and self-reliance.

In summary, the Trump Administration implemented substantial changes at USAID, marked by funding reductions, policy shifts, and operational restructurings. These actions aimed to realign the agency’s focus towards economic development, efficiency, and immediate humanitarian responses, reflecting the administration’s broader strategic priorities.

Elections have Consequences

While campaigning in 2024, Donald Trump made it clear that he intended to “audit” the government and cut waste, fraud, and abuse from the budget. He enlisted Elon Musk to head up the audit under the banner of the newly established, temporary “department” called the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.). USAID became an easy and obvious target because it was found to be spending some U.S. taxpayer dollars on far-left programs overseas. These discoveries made for great headlines for conservatives. Meanwhile the humanitarian aid USAID provided was ignored.

Whether certain foreign aid programs through the USAID benefit the American people  is subject for debate. While some Americans do not agree with U.S. tax dollars being used to feed hungry children abroad, nobody is embarrassed by the expenditure. It’s charitable even coming from the worst charity in the world – the federal government of the United States of America. Unlike funding tourism in Egypt and paying for sex changes in Guatemala, most foreign aid disbursed through USAID went to the types of humanitarian efforts Americans would expect.

Visit the USAID website today and you will find this notice on its homepage.

Notification of Administrative Leave

As of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally.

Concurrently, USAID is beginning to implement a Reduction-in-Force that will affect approximately 1,600 USAID personnel with duty stations in the United States.

Individuals that are impacted will receive specific notifications on February 23, 2025, with further instructions and information about their benefits and rights.

Designated essential personnel who are expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership February 23, 2025, by 5 p.m. EST.

For overseas personnel, USAID intends a voluntary Agency-funded return travel program and other benefits. USAID is committed to keeping its overseas personnel safe. Until they return home, personnel will retain access to Agency systems and to diplomatic and other resources.

In the coming week, we will provide details on how to retrieve personal items from the former USAID workspaces and return government issued devices.

Additional guidance is forthcoming, and all future updates/notices will continue to be communicated through official USAID channels and posted on USAID.gov for those without access to USAID systems.

Will the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Survive

Disbanding USAID requires an act of Congress. Although the President can suggest budget cuts, he cannot eliminate federal agencies without legislative approval. This applies to the Department of Education as well. While the President can reduce the functionality of departments, only Congress can permanently shut them down. If Congress does not pass such legislation, future administrations may resume and expand operations.

The Liberal Response

Democrats point to the small portion of the annual spending by the federal government that goes to USAID, approximately 0.3% in FY 2024, as reason to continue with all the funding regardless of how liberal and ridiculous. The federal government spent approximately $6.8 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This equates to $19,900 per person in the United States. The federal government has been and continues to spend more money than the revenue it collects (e.g., through taxes, customs duties, and other sources). It borrows funds to cover the shortfall, creating even more debt.

Spending is not Sustainable

It must be emphasized again: the federal government spent about $6.8 trillion in FY 2024, which is $19,900 per person. Let that sink in for a minute. This spending level is unsustainable. It’s crucial to cut federal spending significantly, as even small percentages matter. Spending cuts must be made. Cutting spending will create hardship for some people. That is an unpleasant reality that could have been avoided if Congress had never been given the flexibility of living way beyond its means.

Democrats think taxes should be increased to match government spending. It’s doubtful the United States can tax its way out of debt.