Context:
The Administration of Donald Trump has halted foreign aid. The former president’s act is seen to be another strategy of disengagement in international agreements and obligations by his administration, following resignation from the WHO and the Paris Climate Accord“.
Justifications and Rationalizations
- Trump claims the inefficiencies and ideological opposition that plague US-AID’s operations.
- Elon Musk now Secretary of Government Efficiency, called US-AID a “viper’s nest of radical left Marxists.
- The government believes US-AID misplaces funds and makes bad policy decisions.
US-AID Functions and Budget
- Founded in 1961, US-AID deals with international humanitarian and development support.
- In 2024, US-AID was funded at $44.2 billion, which is 0.4% of the U.S. federal budget, but 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the UN.
- Major Program Areas
- Health and nutrition assistance (including to Gaza). Worldwide, HIV/TB prevention and child health.
- Contributions to India
- Contributions to India from US-AID were over $150 million in the last fiscal year and education and immunization.
Effects of the Aid Freeze
- Interrupts critical international assistance programs, putting millions at risk.
- Starves food, medical aid, and resources from conflict areas.
- It weakens U.S. leadership in international development, perpetuating isolationism. It jeopardizes global stability as aid dependent nations flail.
