Trump Puts US International Agency on Ice Due to Excessive Spending

February 7, 2025 TruthUSA

Previously regarded as an essential tool for U.S. foreign policy, this lesser-known agency is now under scrutiny for misusing taxpayers’ money.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has recently come under fire, resulting in the placement of numerous employees on leave.

In line with President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce government expenditures, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative have targeted this relatively obscure government office with its $50 billion budget.

On Feb. 3, Trump made the decision to shut down the organization and send all non-essential employees on global “administrative leave,” effective as of midnight on Feb. 7.

This action follows an executive order signed by Trump on Jan. 20 as part of his “America First” vision, implementing a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid for reassessment.

During this period, USAID will be merged into the State Department, under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Thus far, Rubio has determined that only 294 out of 14,000 USAID staff members are deemed essential.

Opposition from Democrats has been vocal, with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) referring to the situation as a “constitutional crisis.”

“He cannot unilaterally close a federal agency. Another assault on the Constitution,” Murphy remarked on social media platform X on Feb. 1.

Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 during the Cold War, USAID was created under the Foreign Assistance Act to coordinate foreign aid programs in developing nations, bolstering the list of U.S. allies. It has been instrumental in U.S. foreign policy efforts over the years.

Recognized for its swift response to humanitarian crises and various health initiatives, such as combatting diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, as well as addressing HIV/AIDS in over 50 countries.

In 2023, USAID allocated $10.5 billion for humanitarian aid and $10.5 billion for global health programs, as reported by the Congressional Research Service.

Nevertheless, over time, the agency has also undertaken some less impactful programs.

On Feb. 3, the White House issued a list of instances where this independent agency allegedly squandered taxpayers’ money with minimal oversight, which the Trump administration characterized as “abuse.”

These instances include expenditures like $47,000 for a “transgender opera” in Colombia, $1.5 million for promoting diversity in Serbia, $2.5 million for electric vehicles in Vietnam, and $20 million for a “Sesame Street” TV show in Iraq.

The list also outlined funding to a non-profit associated with recognized terrorist groups, programs inadvertently benefiting the Taliban, as well as financial support to organizations in Gaza, controlled by Hamas.

Furthermore, on Feb. 5, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the termination of subscriptions to media outlets like Politico, The New York Times, and Reuters, which had received payments from USAID for several years.

Most of the media companies deny receiving government assistance.

The current U.S. debt stands at $36 trillion.

Lawrence Wilson contributed to this report.

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