In a decisive step to align the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with the “America First” agenda, Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumed the role of acting administrator. His mandate was clear: conduct a comprehensive audit of USAID’s programs to ensure they advanced U.S. national interests. After a rigorous six-week review, Rubio revealed that 83% of the agency’s programs—approximately 5,200 contracts—would be terminated. He asserted, “These programs spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, and sometimes harmed, the core national interests of the United States.” The remaining 18%, roughly 1,000 programs, are now slated for oversight by the State Department, in coordination with Congress, to better reflect American priorities.
USAID has long been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy, channeling billions in aid to over 160 countries for humanitarian relief, disaster response, and development initiatives. Yet, under the Trump administration, questions arose about its efficiency and alignment with national goals, prompting Rubio’s appointment and the subsequent audit. The scale of the cancellations underscores a dramatic reorientation of how the U.S. delivers foreign aid.
The announcement triggered swift opposition. USAID unions filed lawsuits, arguing that the cuts were “unconstitutional and illegal” and breached federal employment laws. Their legal action aims to block layoffs and reinstate funding for the axed programs. Meanwhile, hundreds of diplomats lodged a dissent cable, cautioning that slashing USAID’s operations could erode U.S. global leadership and security, potentially ceding influence to rival powers.
This overhaul signals a transformative moment for U.S. foreign aid. Supporters contend it will streamline resources and prioritize American interests, eliminating wasteful spending. Critics, however, warn of unintended consequences—diminished soft power and gaps that adversaries might exploit. As legal battles unfold and the State Department assumes control of the surviving programs, the long-term impact of Rubio’s audit remains uncertain, raising critical questions about America’s role on the world stage.
