Trump administration proposes reform of US foreign aid, including USAID – Reuters
The administration of US President Donald Trump has prepared a proposal to revise the structure of Washington's distribution of billions of dollars in foreign aid. The reform may be restarted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
According to Censor.NET, this was reported by Reuters with reference to the relevant memorandum.
According to an internal memo, the document calls for funding fewer areas that, according to the authors of the proposal, better serve the geopolitical interests of the United States.
The document was prepared by the new leadership of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The memorandum argues that the current structure of U.S. foreign aid is too broad, too costly, and has failed to reduce the dependence of some countries on U.S. aid. The document states that funding should be allocated with a narrower strategic focus.
"This draft proposes a re-imagined structure for U.S. international assistance and a set of operating principles that promise tangible returns for America while projecting American soft power, strengthening our national security, and countering global competitors, including China," the document says.
According to a Reuters source familiar with the document, it is to be sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for review.
In addition, the memorandum proposes to eliminate nearly two dozen USAID bureaus and rename it the U.S. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance.
This body will be included in the structure of the State Department, and its mandate will be limited to humanitarian aid, disaster response, global health and food security, Reuters reports.
Additionally, it is proposed that any "policy-oriented programs," such as democracy promotion, religious freedom, and women's empowerment, be managed directly by the State Department.
"We are committed to implementing President Trump's and Secretary Rubio's foreign policy goals with the utmost innovation, agility, and focus," the State Department said when asked about the memo.
What is known about the termination of USAID
As reported earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington was officially closing 83% of USAID programs.
At the end of January, the US federal government agency USAID suspended funding for all programs and projects for 90 days to implement the State Department's directive to audit foreign aid. However, it is currently unknown whether funding for at least some projects will resume.
U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. He stated that the Trump Administration will review USAID programs to determine which ones are in the national interest and will continue to operate.
All contracted USAID staff worldwide have been placed on mandatory leave since February 7. The only exceptions are personnel responsible for critical functions, key management, and specially designated programs.
According to Reuters, the Trump Administration plans to lay off almost all USAID employees, leaving fewer than 300 out of more than 10,000 worldwide.
