Republican Rep. Brian Mast expressed his support for moving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department as part of potential reforms. This comes as President Trump is considering changes to USAID due to concerns of overlap with other agencies and political influences. Two top security officials at USAID were placed on leave after a dispute over access to classified material. Vice President JD Vance is tasked with determining the next steps for USAID. USAID has faced criticism from some Trump officials for being influenced by left-wing politics and a lack of oversight.
As Trump considers restructuring USAID, aid organizations are preparing to lay off thousands of U.S.-based aid workers due to funding freezes. The humanitarian agency is involved in various programs, from disease eradication to disaster relief. Concerns have been raised over the disruption of global health programs, notably the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), with questions about its future funding. Former aid officials have expressed worries that the freeze will have real-world impacts, such as the shortage of anti-viral medication for HIV-positive individuals in Africa.
Despite the concerns, efforts like PEPFAR are viewed as critical to U.S. national security interests. Multiple Presidents have recognized these programs as tools of “soft power” to counter influence from adversaries like China. The disruption in aid programs raises questions about how these critical initiatives will be implemented and funded in the future. Overall, the potential changes and disruptions at USAID could have significant implications for global humanitarian efforts and U.S. foreign policy.
