The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has seen the majority of its programs terminated following a six-week review, as Rubio stated on X that these programs had spent "tens of billions" in ways that either failed to benefit or actively harmed US interests. Following the cuts, only 18% of USAID's programs will continue, now under the management of the State Department. Humanitarian groups have warned that this controversial move is already having serious global consequences, potentially endangering lives.
The Trump administration has long emphasized aligning foreign spending with its "America First" policy. Shortly after President Trump's return to office on January 20, thousands of USAID employees were placed on leave, with overseas staff recalled.
On his first day back, Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid funding and ordering a comprehensive review of USAID's operations. This review was led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
As a result, thousands of development contracts were cancelled, and a significant number of employees lost their jobs.
In his X post, Rubio revealed that following the review, roughly 5,200 of USAID's 6,200 programs were being shut down.
"In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs to be managed more effectively under the State Department," Rubio stated.
He also expressed gratitude to Doge and State Department staff for their efforts in delivering what he called an "overdue and historic reform."
The decision has faced sharp criticism from Democrats and humanitarian groups, who argue the move is illegal since USAID programs are funded by Congress. Legal challenges are already underway.
USAID's work previously spanned a wide range of missions worldwide, including famine detection, polio vaccination campaigns, and operating emergency food kitchens in conflict zones.
The funding freeze and program cuts have already had significant impacts.
In Sudan, over 1,100 community kitchens, essential for those displaced by the ongoing civil war, have closed, affecting nearly two million people.
In Oman, dozens of Afghan women pursuing higher education now face possible deportation after their USAID-funded scholarships were cancelled.
Meanwhile, in India, the country's first medical clinic dedicated to transgender care was forced to shut down in three cities following the withdrawal of US aid.
