This Friday, the State Department officially declared the permanent shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), signaling the end of an era in Washington's foreign aid policy. The announcement came shortly before an appeals court overturned a prior order that had blocked Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from proceeding with the agency's dismantling, as reported by ABC News.
In a memo addressed to USAID employees, Jeremy Lewin, the agency's deputy director and former DOGE official, announced that the State Department will take over many of USAID's roles and programs. "This transition will greatly enhance the efficiency, accountability, and strategic impact of our foreign assistance initiatives," the document states. It also mentions that "all non-statutory positions at USAID will be eliminated."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the move, claiming that "thanks to President Trump, this era of unnecessary and unchecked spending has come to an end." Rubio emphasized that the new model will ensure that foreign aid is aligned strictly with U.S. national interests.
However, critics of the Trump administration have warned that closing USAID could diminish U.S. influence abroad and severely impact vulnerable populations reliant on the agency's support for health, food, and basic necessities. Humanitarian organizations and experts have also argued that this action could empower autocratic regimes and weaken support for human rights in crisis-stricken nations.
For instance, the reduction in funding has directly affected independent media outlets in Cuba, such as Diario de Cuba, Cubanet, and El Estornudo, which partially relied on USAID grants to function. The suspension of these funds has compelled these platforms to seek financial support from their readers to continue their journalistic work against Cuba's totalitarian and oppressive regime.
The State Department has informed Congress of its plan to integrate some of USAID's functions into its structure by July 1 of this year, though the agency's closure still faces legal challenges in various courts.
Impact of USAID Closure on International Aid and Media
What is the reason behind the shutdown of USAID?
The shutdown of USAID is part of an initiative to enhance efficiency and align foreign aid strictly with U.S. national interests, as stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
How might the closure of USAID impact vulnerable populations?
Critics warn that the closure could reduce U.S. influence abroad and negatively affect vulnerable groups who rely on USAID for health, nutrition, and basic needs.
How are independent media outlets in Cuba affected by the USAID shutdown?
Independent media outlets in Cuba, which previously depended on USAID funding, are now seeking financial support from their readership to continue operations under the oppressive Cuban regime.