Trump Administration Cancels 83% of USAID Programs, Impacting…

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs, significantly affecting countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Secretary Marco Rubio stated that funding will now focus solely on initiatives benefitting the U.S. Previously, billions were allocated under USAID, but many contracts will be terminated due to reassessment of their necessity for American interests.

President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement regarding the cessation of financial support through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that 83% of USAID programs will be terminated following an extensive six-week review. This decision will adversely affect countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, which previously received substantial funding from the agency each year.

The review revealed that a total of 5,200 contracts had been signed globally, with billions allocated, much of which was deemed unnecessary for America’s core national interests. As a result, the administration will maintain only those programs that provide direct benefits to the United States. Secretary Rubio mentioned, “We were paying those who were doing our detriment,” which reflects a strategic shift in how U.S. foreign aid will be distributed moving forward.

The announcement indicates that approximately 1,000 programs will continue, constituting 18% of the original funding, pending further discussions with Congress. Under the previous USAID framework, Bangladesh received roughly $440 million, Pakistan $231 million, and Sri Lanka $123 million. The termination of these funds is likely to halt various ongoing projects, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where some investments were reportedly used for activities perceived as contrary to U.S. interests.

The recent decision by the Trump administration to cancel 83% of USAID programs signals a shift towards prioritizing American interests in foreign aid distribution. This decision will significantly impact countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, which formerly benefited from substantial annual assistance. The focus moving forward will only include programs that substantively benefit the United States, potentially altering long-standing financial relationships in the region.

Original Source: www.india.com