A Long History of Global Assistance
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) became the country’s primary agency for civilian foreign aid. With a budget of over $50 billion, it operated in over 100 countries, addressing disaster relief, poverty alleviation, public health, and economic development. USAID played a key role in disaster response, such as aiding Belgium in 1915, supporting post-WWII Europe through the Marshall Plan, and providing relief after wars and natural disasters. The agency also contributed to ending apartheid in South Africa and worked on global health initiatives like literacy programs and vaccine distribution.
USAID’s Impact on Global Development
The agency was responsible for initiatives tackling communicable diseases, climate change, and human rights issues. It worked alongside federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote sustainable development worldwide. USAID also funded poverty relief, food security, and education programs by collaborating with local governments and NGOs. The Economic Support Funds (ESF) administered by USAID aimed to stabilize allied nations, and in conflict zones, it worked alongside the U.S. military to gain local trust.
Major Operations and Controversies
USAID conducted significant missions in Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa, providing billions in assistance for infrastructure, public health, and democratic institutions. However, it also faced criticism, including allegations of covert operations, its role in funding opposition groups in Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia, and involvement in Peru’s forced sterilization programs in the 1990s. Other controversies included USAID’s funding being used as a geopolitical tool, its relationship with the CIA, and criticisms over financial mismanagement and private contracting.
The 2025 Shutdown Order
In January 2025, President Donald Trump froze most foreign aid, leading to the firing of over 1,000 USAID employees. Shortly after, Elon Musk, serving as Director of the Department of Government Efficiency, declared USAID a “criminal organization” and announced plans to dismantle it. Marco Rubio, acting as USAID Administrator, stated the agency was merging into the State Department, and on January 27, 2025, USAID’s official website was taken offline. The legality of these actions remained contested under the Foreign Assistance Act, but the decision marked a historic restructuring of U.S. foreign aid.
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID became America’s top foreign aid agency, operating in over 100 countries with a $50 billion budget. It played a key role in disaster relief, economic development, and global health. But in 2025, a sudden policy shift led to… pic.twitter.com/z3QAWarnWz
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