Contrasting Views on USAID: The Trumps’ Divergent Perspectives

Donald Trump has labeled USAID as a “tremendous fraud,” conflicting with Melania and Ivanka Trump’s former endorsements of the agency’s work. Melania praised USAID during her African tour, highlighting its success, while Ivanka supported women’s empowerment initiatives funded by the agency. Despite their past support, President Trump’s actions indicate a prioritization of dismantling these programs, contradicting the family’s earlier commitment to USAID’s mission.

Former President Donald Trump has described the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a “tremendous fraud,” contradicting the positive remarks made by his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, regarding the agency’s initiatives. Melania Trump, during her 2018 African tour, supported USAID programs and emphasized the importance of American investments abroad, stating, “We care, and we want to show the world that we care.” She also engaged with children, participating in a USAID literacy program in Malawi, where she expressed her joy in witnessing the educational efforts firsthand.

In contrast, as President, Trump initiated efforts to dismantle the very programs that his family had previously praised. His administration criticized USAID, alleging a lack of accountability and oversight, claiming that it directs funds to “ridiculous” projects without sufficient scrutiny. This stark divergence in views illustrates a significant change in perspective within the Trump family regarding the agency’s role and impact.

Additionally, Ivanka Trump played a key role in promoting USAID-funded initiatives aimed at empowering women in developing countries. In 2019, she helped launch the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” Initiative, which sought to empower 50 million women by 2025 through a $50 million fund distributed by USAID. Ivanka linked this initiative to national security, noting the correlation between gender inequality and conflict.

In 2018, Ivanka also completed her own African tour, visiting women cocoa farmers supported by a USAID-funded project. During these interactions, she announced loans for women-owned businesses, further underscoring her commitment to sustainable economic development. However, recent actions by the Trump administration, including the curtailing of diversity-related initiatives and a directive to place most USAID employees on administrative leave, raise questions about the future of such supportive efforts.

The contrasting views held by the Trump family regarding USAID highlight a significant shift in policy and priorities. While Melania and Ivanka Trump previously championed the agency’s contributions to global development, President Trump’s administration has sought to undermine it, criticizing its effectiveness and enacting measures that could hinder future initiatives. This divergence reflects broader political dynamics and raises concerns about the continuity of humanitarian support.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com