Trump Administration Shuts Down USAID

July 2, 2025

4 minutes read

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of U.S. foreign assistance for over 60 years, has been officially shut down by the Trump administration on July 1, 2025, as part of a sweeping crackdown on federal government programs.

The closure, championed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), marks the end of an agency established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy through the Foreign Assistance Act.

USAID’s mission was to partner with nations to eradicate extreme poverty and foster resilient, democratic societies, but its dissolution has sparked widespread concern about the future of global humanitarian efforts.

A Legacy of Global Transformation

Since its inception, USAID has been instrumental in transformative global initiatives.

The agency played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution, a series of agricultural advancements credited with saving an estimated 1 billion lives by boosting food security worldwide.

Its collaborations with international partners have strengthened health systems, contributing to a remarkable 69% reduction in deaths among children under 5 since 1990.

From disaster relief to economic development, USAID’s programs have supported millions across the globe, often serving as a critical tool for U.S. soft power and diplomacy.

However, the Trump administration’s decision to terminate USAID, coupled with the cancellation of over 80% of its programs, has halted many of these initiatives.

The move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to eliminate perceived inefficiencies in federal operations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio overseeing the transfer of USAID’s remaining functions to the State Department.

Controversy and Criticism Mount

The abrupt closure has drawn sharp criticism from former U.S. presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, who called it a “travesty” and a “mistake” that undermines American interests and global stability.

A study published in The Lancet estimates that the funding cuts could lead to over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, highlighting the severe humanitarian consequences.

Critics argue that the dismantling of USAID, which spent $40 billion annually on humanitarian support, will destabilize vulnerable regions and weaken U.S. influence abroad.

Some Netizens, hailed the closure as a victory against “wasteful” NGOs, claiming it disrupted a network of high-salaried activists.

Conversely, others decried the move as a historic mistake, estimating 52,000 American jobs lost and emphasizing foreign aid’s role in promoting stability and diplomacy.

 

Global and Regional Implications

The termination of USAID comes at a critical time for regions like Africa, where political instability and economic challenges are already escalating.

In Togo, recent protests against constitutional reforms have highlighted democratic fragility, while Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Nigeria’s opposition leaders like Peter Obi navigate their own political battles.

The loss of USAID’s support could exacerbate these challenges, particularly in health and agriculture, where its programs have been vital.

For instance, a post on X highlighted millions of doses of medicine languishing in African warehouses due to USAID’s closure, nearing expiration and risking lives.

Uncertain Future for U.S. Foreign Aid

The Trump administration defends the shutdown as a necessary step to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse,” redirecting aid dollars to align with its priorities.

However, critics argue that the abrupt dissolution, described as poorly planned by some reports, could have long-term repercussions for global health, poverty reduction, and U.S. diplomatic influence.

As the State Department assumes control of remaining aid programs, questions linger about their scope and effectiveness under the new structure.

The closure of USAID marks a seismic shift in U.S. foreign policy, with ripple effects likely to be felt across the globe for years to come.

As legal challenges and international outcry continue, the world watches to see how this decision will reshape America’s role in global development.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

UK Doctors Launch Five-Day Strike Over Pay Dispute

On Friday, July 25, 2025, thousands of UK resident doctors launched a five-day strike, escalating ...

World Cup

Morocco’s $4.2B Airport Upgrade for 2030 World Cup

On July 24, 2025, a $4.2 billion initiative was announced by Morocco to enhance its ...

CAR

ICC Convicts CAR’s Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona

The International Criminal Court (ICC), today, July 24, 2025, convicted Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former head of ...

FCTA

FCT Extends 2024/2025 School Calendar by Five Weeks

The 2024/2025 third term for public primary schools in Abuja has been extended by five ...

Features

Buhari's Legacy

From the Fulani Plains to Power: The Buhari Chronicle

Muhammadu Buhari (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025), a name etched into Nigeria’s historical ...

Flood

Texas Mourns as Flash Flood Death Toll Hits 120

Shock has turned to grief across Texas as the death toll from devastating flash floods ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 26th is the day in 1945 that the Labour Party wins the United Kingdom general election of July 5 by a landslide, removing Winston Churchill from power.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.8577
GH Ghana Cedi10.432
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,663.21
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,527.34
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.4276
26 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 26 Jul 2025 19:05 UTC
Latest change: 26 Jul 2025 19:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?