Trump Admin. Axes $60 Billion in Foreign Aid: Shocking Global Impact!

2025-02-27 08:06:13.033

The Trump administration announced the elimination of more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) foreign aid contracts, amounting to $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance worldwide. This drastic cut leaves few USAID projects remaining, intensifying ongoing court battles. The administration detailed its plans in an internal memo and court filings, revealing the scale of its retreat from decades of U.S. foreign aid policy. The memo cited "clearing significant waste" and a need to "use taxpayer dollars wisely to advance American interests." President Trump and Elon Musk, who has been involved in government efficiency efforts, have been vocal critics of USAID, labeling its projects as advancing a liberal agenda and wasteful. A 90-day review of foreign assistance programs resulted in a funding freeze, halting thousands of programs and leading to staff reductions. Widely successful programs combating Ebola and HIV/AIDS in Africa have been affected. Nonprofits owed billions in contract payments described the mass contract terminations as a maneuver to circumvent court orders temporarily lifting the funding freeze. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the administration's actions, while the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition expressed shock at the potential loss in counterterrorism, global health, food security, and competition. The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio reviewed the terminations. The administration stated it eliminated 5,800 of 6,200 multiyear USAID contract awards ($54 billion) and 4,100 of 9,100 State Department grants ($4.4 billion). Despite a court order to unfreeze billions of dollars, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the order, pending further review. The administration has also filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court in another case.