Letters on Trump’s Attempt to Overhaul USAID

The Concern: President Trump and Elon Musk transforming inefficient USAID programs through budget and personnel reductions.

The situation with USAID highlights some significant issues plaguing our nation as we hurtle towards financial collapse (“USAID on anything under the ‘rainbow,’ ” Feb. 6).

With USAID funding now under scrutiny, their refusal to permit external assessments of these programs is quite telling. It is disheartening that many of these programs were ever approved in the first place.

This is yet another instance of a government that struggles to assist hurricane survivors while funds seem readily available for numerous global initiatives. I hope advocacy groups like DOGE are able to track down every wasted dollar to help us avert financial disaster.

So, are we unified in the belief that reform is necessary?

Larry Hootnick

Watermill

The government has ample funds to excessively finance transgender programs and other unproductive expenditures in largely developing nations. Meanwhile, vital funding for veterans and 9/11 first responders has been severely slashed or completely eliminated.

At the same time, Democratic lawmakers are fighting to revive these USAID initiatives.

Sean Kelly

Farmingdale

It is clear that many of the dubious causes behind USAID funding serve as veils for high-level corruption and graft. The urgency many congressional members display in opposing these audits stems from concerns that these nefarious operations may be exposed.

The media, including The Post, must shed light on these issues. The public needs to be informed so they can urge their representatives not to obstruct inquiries into these expenditures.

Moreover, a thorough investigation is essential to trace the ultimate use of these funds and to hold accountable those who have profited from taxpayer money.

Jim Nardone

St. James

Fortunately, USAID is reportedly winding down. This allows some of that funding to be redirected to Ohio, where residents have faced ongoing hardships for the past two years. Perhaps some financial support could also go to North Carolina, where communities are still recovering.

Surely this funding would be more effectively utilized within the U.S. than on drag shows in Ecuador.

J.J. Levine

Miami Beach, Fla.

In the realm of foreign relations, our nation needs to maintain a cohesive voice. Having a separate agency distributing funds to promote its own agenda contradicts that principle and may jeopardize the safety of our diplomats.

Integrating USAID’s operations into the State Department is a logical move.

Dierdre Burgman

Manhattan

As a capitalist nation, America has consistently funded global initiatives and will remain committed to doing so — but with increased scrutiny. Significant amounts have flowed into questionable programs, including USAID’s support for foreign DEI and transgender causes.

Former President Biden’s administration allocated billions to Ukraine while conflict persists. Additionally, substantial funds have been directed towards undocumented immigrants, contributing to a staggering $36 trillion national debt due to the reckless spending habits of the political elite. A comprehensive audit of this entire political landscape, including lobbyists, is in order.

The liberal faction continues to argue while failing to grasp that the electorate demanded fiscal responsibility.

JR Cummings

Manhattan

Applause to Elon Musk and President Trump for halting the squandering of American taxpayer money via USAID. Some of the cited expenditures were indeed astonishing, such as funding an LGBT comic book in Peru, which almost made me spit out my coffee. Justifying the reduction of thousands of staff members was also a step in the right direction.

This is a much-needed change for us taxpayers. We must intensify our efforts and hold accountable those who engage in such misconduct. America has been too complacent under prior administrations.

Phil Serpico

Queens

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