Marco Rubio Announces Major USAID Cuts, Prompting Diplomatic Concerns
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the cancellation of 83 percent of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, following a review led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The State Department will assume control of the remaining contracts in consultation with Congress. This decision comes after President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign assistance, which impacted the agency's operations.
The cancelled programs, totaling 5200 contracts, had spent tens of billions of dollars, allegedly not serving U.S. national interests. The majority of USAID money was previously allocated to Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. In 2023, the U.S. government spent $71.9 billion in foreign aid, representing 1.2 percent of annual spending. The White House had previously criticized USAID projects, citing examples of waste and abuse.
The move has faced considerable backlash, with over 700 diplomats from the State Department and USAID expressing concerns that the cuts would undermine national security and potentially cede influence to China and Russia. The announcement follows reported disagreements between Rubio and White House adviser Elon Musk regarding federal spending. A federal judge has given the Trump administration a deadline to make outstanding foreign aid payments to USAID partners.
Marco Rubio's USAID cuts have sparked internal dissent and fears of diminished U.S. influence abroad. These concerns highlight the ongoing debate over the role of foreign aid in advancing America's strategic goals amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
“Anyone who is serious about our international assistance should be serious about reform and ensuring our aid delivers results for the American people. Yet, I can't imagine Congress is comfortable with a rushed review process canceling 83 percent of programs that they themselves have championed over decades—a process that wasn't transparent or open to meaningful bipartisan consultation. "The facts show that life-saving programs were severely cut, putting millions of people in allied countries at risk of starvation, disease, and death. "China, Russia, Iran and our other rivals are already filling the vacuum that we have created by shuttering too much of our global footprint. We can surgically cut the wasteful spending while playing offense and defense to keep America's economy number one, avoid costly wars, and stop threats before they reach our shores.”
