In a surprising development, the Trump administration has waged war against the decades old United States Agency for International Development, popularly known as USAID tagging it as “a criminal organisation”. The United States government is in the process of shutting down the same. US President Donald Trump, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk and some Republican lawmakers have accused the USAID of promoting liberal causes.
Over the weekend, two senior security chiefs at the USAID were sent on leave after they refused to grant representatives of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to restricted spaces at the agency. On Sunday, Musk accused USAID of being “a criminal organisation”. Even though he did not provide any evidence supporting his statement but announced that it is “Time for it to die”.
USAID is the latest victim of the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on the federal government and its several programmes. With an aim to dismantle the USAID, the US government took down its website on Saturday, asked its employees to stay out of its Washington office, and announced that the Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be the acting administrator of the agency which has been running as an independent body for six decades.
Announcement on USAID’s official website
An announcement by the US government on www.usaid.gov, the official website of the USAID reads: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).
For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.
The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming. Thank you for your service.”
What is USAID?
Founded by the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy in 1961, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency of the US government which is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
Formed during the United State’s Cold War period with the former Soviet Union, the USAID offers humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the US government across the world.
With over 10,000 employees and volunteers around the world, the USAID works to address a wide variety of issues. These include Humanitarian aid, Healthcare, Education, Poverty relief, Climate change, Energy, Water and sanitation, Food security, Women’s empowerment, Democracy and civil society, Landmine clearance in war zones, Organized crime, Terrorism and Conflict.
How shutting down USAID will affect India
The Trump administration’s decision to freeze United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds will affect several countries including India especially in areas like healthcare, environment, and education.
In India, USAID mainly focuses on improving healthcare, promoting clean energy and climate resilience, enhancing education access, supporting sustainable forest management, and enhancing access to clean water and sanitation. The independent agency often works in collaborating with the Indian government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to achieve these goals.
After being sworn in as President of the United States, Trump signed an executive order to reassess and realign U.S. foreign aid under the new administration’s policy, placing a 90-day pause on funding. As a result of this, the USAID directed all organisations implementing projects in India to suspend their operations for the time being.
