The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has assumed the role of interim administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). While on a tour through Latin American nations, Rubio criticized USAID for not effectively promoting American national interests, accusing the agency of acting as a "global charity."
In a tweet shared by journalist Reshad Hudson on X, the Cuban-American highlighted that President Donald Trump's government does not seek to dismantle the agency completely but rather to align it more closely with U.S. foreign policy, which is why it has been placed under the State Department's control. This decision comes amid a significant restructuring of the agency, including a notable reduction in its workforce.
In a video released by the official White House Rapid Response account, Trump himself commented on USAID: "I love the concept, but they turned out to be radical left lunatics. The concept is good, but the important thing is the people." Additionally, billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the administration's "government efficiency office," has also criticized USAID, labeling it as beyond repair and advocating for its closure.
These actions have sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that dissolving or merging USAID could undermine U.S. influence abroad and benefit rival nations such as China. Established in 1961, USAID is tasked with managing U.S. civilian foreign aid and development assistance, operating with a budget exceeding $50 billion and active in over 100 countries.
“That’s ridiculous. It’s taxpayers' dollars,” Rubio stated upon his arrival in El Salvador. The freezing of funds threatens the continuity of these initiatives, limiting essential resources for their operation. However, the Trump administration defends the move, arguing it aims to reassess and align foreign aid with U.S. national interests.
The integration of USAID into the State Department and the suspension of foreign aid represent a major shift in U.S. international assistance policy, with potential repercussions for organizations and projects in Cuba and other regions that relied on this support. Undeniably, such decisions raise concerns about the impact on non-governmental organizations and Cuban media that depended on U.S. external aid.
Impact of USAID Restructuring on Global Influence
How might the restructuring of USAID affect U.S. influence abroad?
The restructuring could weaken U.S. influence by reducing its ability to provide foreign aid, potentially benefiting rival nations like China.
What are the potential consequences for Cuban organizations relying on USAID?
Cuban organizations and media that depended on U.S. aid may face operational challenges due to reduced funding and support.
What is the rationale behind integrating USAID into the State Department?
The integration aims to better align USAID's operations with U.S. foreign policy and national interests.