Understanding USAID + Trump's Decision

In our world of misinformation, some would argue propaganda, it is easy to form an opinion after reading a headline or watching a 10-second sound byte from our favorite channel. And with so much chaos in the news, it is also easy to move on to the next topic without ever allocating 5 minutes to understand the elements of a good or bad decision. For example, not many folks know that USAID is actually a development organization designed to establish and maintain 'US soft power' around the world, aligned with America’s interests and international goals since WW2.

So, here goes with a grounding of USAID and whether halting funding is a good or bad idea.

Origins

In 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy established the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to unify various foreign assistance efforts under one federal agency. Created by Executive Order following the enactment of the Foreign Assistance Act, it replaced multiple agencies managing international development and humanitarian aid worldwide.

What USAID Is

Major Development Arm of the U.S. Government

USAID is the largest development organization in the world, historically spending tens of billions of dollars annually on global humanitarian and development projects.

Global Reach

It has funded (and often led) critical programs in health, education, and humanitarian relief across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Programs include refugee assistance, crisis relief, and support for NGOs such as the International Rescue Committee.

Soft-Power & Strategic Importance

USAID has long been viewed as an instrument of U.S. “soft power,” helping stabilize fragile states, alleviating poverty, and reducing the likelihood of future conflict. It can prevent or lessen crises that might otherwise require military involvement.

What USAID Isn’t

Not a Rogue NGO

Misinformation and accusations promoted by Elon Musk in his online posts stated that USAID is effectively “criminal” or part of some corrupt enterprise.

There is no substantiated proof that USAID as an institution is “criminal.” While individual and isolated cases of waste and fraud have occurred (as in many large bureaucracies), USAID operates under legal frameworks and oversight, and its programs provide crucial humanitarian aid worldwide.

If Musk has specific evidence, he has not presented it publicly. Instead, his claims appear to be hyperbolic political rhetoric rather than fact-based allegations (all stated with his large megaphone).

Not Just Charity

USAID is not merely “charitable handouts”: it aims to encourage long-term development—improving infrastructure, governance, healthcare systems, and more. Its goals often align with U.S. strategic interests, reducing conflict and creating stable trading partners.

Is Trump’s Handling of USAID Irresponsible?

Abrupt Funding Cuts

As of February 12th 2025, the Trump White House has effectively stopped or massively cut USAID-funded projects “on a dime.” Major programs in Africa and elsewhere are suddenly defunded, putting tens of thousands of local and international staff out of work.

Job Loss & Humanitarian Impact

The cessation of funding means essential health, education, and food programs end overnight. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Jordan see huge shortfalls, while staff—both American and local—are abruptly disabled.

Destabilizing and Counterproductive

The cuts undermine the U.S. government’s decades-long relationships abroad, reducing American influence and soft power. This vacuum will be filled by rival powers like China, or by authoritarian governments relieved that the “eyes and ears” of the U.S. are gone. This in itself should be a red flag, but it may be lost in the ongoing chaos.

Anti-NGO Rhetoric Boosts Authoritarians

Branding U.S.-funded NGOs as “criminal” emboldens authoritarian regimes worldwide to clamp down on civil society organizations and charities. Leaders in countries from Russia to Serbia can now cite America’s own language as a pretext to suppress local NGOs.

Wider Political & Social Risk in the U.S.

Not Just “Authoritarian Control” but Growing Division

The real danger is not that Trump will achieve monolithic authoritarian power—because American institutions and states (e.g., California, New York) will resist. Rather, the risk lies in increasing domestic divisions and potential violence if the federal government tries to enforce policies that states and large segments of the public oppose.

Erosion of Checks & Balances

The more Trump or close allies weaken or ignore courts, fire independent officials, and label opponents “enemies,” the more likely it is that political conflict could turn into social unrest.

Why It Matters for the U.S. and Beyond

Loss of American Leadership

By abandoning a leading role in global humanitarian and development efforts, the United States undermines the post–World War II tradition of international cooperation. This signals a broader retreat from multilateral engagement. If the US is striving for a more isolationist future with this move, it should also resist from interfering with other international conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Moral and Strategic Failure

Halting aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable is both morally wrong and strategically short-sighted, weakening long-term U.S. influence and global standing.

Conclusion

USAID has been a cornerstone of American global engagement—protecting U.S. interests via development, stabilization, and soft power. By abruptly gutting (or threatening to gut) these programs, Trump is inflicting tremendous harm on vulnerable populations and surrendering vital strategic ground to competitors like China.

More broadly, this is a symptom of a deeper crisis in American politics, one where the real threat may be growing domestic division and potential unrest if federal power continues to be exercised unilaterally without regard for traditional checks and balances.

Just my 2 cents, but at least I have invested the time to look into the impact of an instant and uninformed decision that was likely made in a golf cart ... "Hey, let's cut USAID". For those of us who support the responsible influence of the US around the world, let's educate ourselves and engage in informed discussion.

Thanks for your time today.