Date: 2025-08-22 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00027952
TRUMP
ENDING USAID
USA TODAY: What is USAID and what does it do? The agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down, explained
ENDING USAID
USA TODAY: What is USAID and what does it do? The agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down, explained
The shadow of a Philippine Army personnel is cast on boxes of relief items from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan, at Villamor Air Base in Manila November 13, 2013. The Philippine government has been overwhelmed by the force of the typhoon, which decimated large swathes of Leyte province where local officials have said they feared 10,000 people died, many drowning in a tsunami-like surge of seawater. USAID was helping.
Original article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/usaid-does-agency-musk-trump-161134168.html
Peter Burgess COMMENTARY
I have done a lot of work over the years in connection with various aspects of international development and humanitarian aid. I have not done much work directly for USAID, but I know more than most about what they do, how they do it and how valuable it can be!
Frankly ... people like Trump and Musk have no idea about the very real value of USAID's financial and material assistance ... both of them are 'out of touch rich kids' ... and spoilt brats!
Over the years, I have been something of a critic of USAID ... for its bureacracy and its inefficiency, but never for its goals. There was ... and is ... a huge need for the work that orgnizations like USAID provide. USAID has been helpful in saving millions ... yes, millions ... of lives in a lot of poor coutries around the world.
In fact, I have been a big advocate for much less money going into the Pentagon and much more money going into USAID. This would deliver a whole lot more 'bang for the buck' ... would help 'build up' rather the support of 'destruction to win a war!.
I cannot pretend to be surprised that a team like Trump and Musk would find an organization like USAID a soft target for their government efficiency campaign ... but it is a strategic mistake for the United States!
Clearly ... this is not a concern for either Trump or Musk.
Peter Burgess
Written by Kinsey Crowley and Eric Lagatta,
Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com, and follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.
Mon, February 3, 2025 at 11:11 AM EST
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump's administration, has set his sights on dismantling the federal agency USAID.
Following a week of turmoil as senior officials were put on leave, Musk announced on social media Monday that he and Trump plan to shut down the agency entirely.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is the world's largest foreign aid agency. Trump had already ordered a global freeze on most U.S. foreign aid as he moves to fulfill his campaign promise of 'America First' policies.
Here is what to know about USAID, the agency Musk said he is feeding 'into the wood chipper.'
The shadow of a Philippine Army personnel is cast on boxes of relief items from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan, at Villamor Air Base in Manila November 13, 2013. The Philippine government has been overwhelmed by the force of the typhoon, which decimated large swathes of Leyte province where local officials have said they feared 10,000 people died, many drowning in a tsunami-like surge of seawater. USAID was helping.
What does the USAID do?
The USAID provides assistance to countries whose residents are recovering from disaster or trying to escape poverty.
As of Monday morning, the government website was unavailable, but the archived website states the agency's mission is to 'promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad, and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.'
'In support of America's foreign policy, the (USAID) leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.'
In fiscal year 2023, USAID disbursed $72 billion in assistance worldwide, Reuters reported. The funding went to everything from women's health in conflict zones to clean water, HIV/AIDS treatments, energy security and anti-corruption work.
USAID had a staff of more than 10,000 people.
Visitors walk up a stair during the opening of the restoration project at the historic Bimaristan Al-Muayyad Sheikh, one of the oldest hospitals following extensive renovations carried out in partnership between Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ensuring sustainable management of historic sites at Souk al-Silah district in Old Cairo, Egypt. August 18, 2024.
Who funds the USAID?
Congress funds the USAID. In fiscal year 2024, the agency received more than $44 billion in federal funding, accounting for 0.4% of the entire federal budget, according to USAspending.gov.
Is USAID part of the U.S. State Department?
No. USAID was created as an independent agency in 1961 under an executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy.
As part of the apparent dismantling of the USAID, multiple outlets have reported that the Trump administration could fold it into the State Department. The move would have a significant impact, as USAID has provided aid outside of the U.S.'s diplomatic relationships, Reuters reported.
A pared-down version of the USAID website appeared to have been published on the State Department's website, as the New York Times previously reported.
What is the full name of USAID?
USAID stands for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Equipment and supplies for the Urban Search and Rescue team from Fairfax, Virginia, and USAID to help in support operations for victims of the earthquake in Turkey are loaded onto a transport plane at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, U.S., in this handout photo released on February 7, 2023. U.S.
Contributing: Reuters
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is USAID? Explaining the agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down
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