Is USAID Now Officially Shut Down?
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Synopsis
The recent shutdown of USAID has sparked criticism from former presidents Obama and Bush, raising questions about the future of US foreign aid. As the agency merges into the State Department under Trump's administration, what does this mean for international assistance programs?
Key Takeaways
- USAID has officially ceased operations as of July 1.
- The agency will be merged into the US State Department.
- Criticism has come from former presidents regarding this change.
- Programs not aligned with current policy will be terminated.
- Essential programs will continue despite the reorganization.
Washington, July 1 (NationPress) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially ceased operations as of Tuesday, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
In a significant shift, USAID is being integrated into the US State Department starting Tuesday.
As previously announced by the US State Department, this reorganization aims to realign specific USAID functions with the State Department. Functions of USAID that do not correspond with the policies of the current administration under President Donald Trump will be discontinued.
Former President Obama labeled the dismantling of USAID by the Trump administration as “a colossal mistake,” while Bush highlighted the uncertain future of an important AIDS relief program as indicative of broader concerns regarding US foreign aid.
Trump has criticized USAID in the past, describing it as being managed by “a bunch of radical lunatics,” according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
In line with the State Department’s earlier statements, all USAID functions that do not align with the administration’s priorities will be terminated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Foreign assistance done right can advance our national interests, protect our borders, and strengthen our partnerships with key allies. Unfortunately, USAID strayed from its original mission long ago.”
Rubio emphasized, “We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens.” He assured that essential lifesaving programs would continue and that strategic investments would be made to bolster both allies and the United States.
A memo dispatched to USAID staff indicated that all positions not mandated by law would be terminated.
Despite the reorganization, USAID has retained disaster response teams, illustrating its ongoing commitment, as evidenced by the US response to a devastating earthquake in Myanmar.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce previously stated that USAID is poised to provide immediate assistance, including food and safe drinking water, crucial for saving lives in disaster aftermaths.
“The United States is assessing the need for assistance based on requests and dynamic reporting,” Bruce told reporters a few months ago.
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the potential impacts of merging USAID into the State Department. While some view this as a necessary realignment of priorities, others fear that critical humanitarian efforts may be jeopardized. Balancing national interests with global responsibilities remains a pressing challenge for current policymakers.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
Why was USAID shut down?
USAID was shut down as part of a reorganization to realign its functions with the US State Department's priorities under the Trump administration.
What will happen to USAID's programs?
Programs that do not align with the new administration's policies will be discontinued, while essential lifesaving programs will continue.
Who criticized the shutdown of USAID?
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have publicly criticized the shutdown, calling it a mistake.
What is the future of US foreign aid?
The future of US foreign aid remains uncertain as the merger could affect ongoing programs and their effectiveness.
