The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. This was done to consolidate and expand foreign aid efforts that were scattered across multiple agencies at the time which made it difficult for the agencies to coordinate their efforts. It was created at the height of the Cold War to combat Soviet influence in foreign countries through assistance. Today, the program is said to combat Russian and Chinese influence.
Recently, the Congressional Research Service released a report explaining how USAID used the approximately $40 billion they were given for foreign aid in the 2023 fiscal year. The report showed where the money went regionally, what it was used for and how much money was allocated to each region.
The program focuses on humanitarian efforts such as treating HIV patients and other illnesses in Africa, governance in countries like Georgia where Russian influence is evident, disaster relief and economic development support in developing countries. There are several Connecticut-based groups that have been involved in programs funded by USAID including General Electric, Yale University and Save the Children. A full list is not immediately available as the USAID website is currently down and only partial recounts of past projects are archived.
Since Pres. Donald Trump was sworn back into office, he and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk have made significant changes to the agency. Trump implemented a 90-day freeze on foreign aid that has confused and dismayed those associated with USAID, forcing 90% of USAID’s workforce to go on paid or unpaid leave. U.S. Secretary of State and acting administrator for USAID Marco Rubio has attempted to continue funding programs he deems as “strictly lifesaving” during the freeze, but the confusion and fear of completely losing aid has halted development and distribution of all aid.
Critics of USAID claim that the State Department should have more control over USAID funds and policy, not believing that the U.S. government has enough insight into where the funds go and who distributes the aid once it is delivered. USAID Inspector General Paul Martin countered those claims and said in a report published on Feb. 10 that “The pause in funding and reductions in staff… has undermined two key oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability over humanitarian assistance funding: partner vetting and third-party monitoring.”
Due to the Trump administration’s freezes and cuts to the USAID program, contractors for the organization, including the American Bar Association and Chemonics, have filed lawsuits in federal court. They are suing Trump, the State Department and the Office of Management and Budget claiming the actions against USAID have been unlawful. The contractors allege that the administration does not have the legal authority to dismantle or freeze funds for a federal agency established by Congress, whose funds are allocated by lawmakers. The filings point out consequences such as the stalling of medicine delivery that saves lives worldwide and the termination of contracts that could cause mass layoffs and interrupt critical programs. The lawsuit seeks to obtain a court directive that reverses the halting of operations and funding cuts.
As of Thursday night, Federal Judge Amir Ali has ordered the Trump administration to restore USAID’s funding on a temporary basis while they individually vet each program to determine its necessity. The Global Health Council, a U.S.-based non-profit, said “This ruling is a vital first step toward restoring U.S. foreign assistance programs… It clears the path for organizations to resume their life saving work, showcasing the best of American values: compassion, leadership, and a commitment to global health, stability, and shared prosperity.”
