Trump’s Major Decision: 83% Cut in USAID Funding Impacts Pakistan and Bangladesh
President Trump has announced a drastic cut in USAID funding, cancelling 83% of programs. This change will adversely affect nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh, which previously received millions in aid. The remaining 18% of programs will focus solely on benefitting U.S. interests, halting numerous developmental projects in the affected countries.
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will cease all funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed on social media that after a thorough review, 83% of USAID programs will be cancelled, which will have considerable repercussions for countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, both of which had previously received substantial annual aid under this program.
The announcement specifies that the decision impacts over 5,200 contracts globally, approximately amounting to billions of dollars. Rubio emphasized that these financial commitments were not essential to the core national interests of the United States. In fact, he mentioned instances where American taxpayer funds may have inadvertently supported entities counterproductive to U.S. interests, prompting the decision to cut back on such contracts.
Only programs deemed beneficial to the United States will be retained, amounting to 18% of the existing contracts. Rubio further indicated that discussions with Congress would continue to ensure the preservation of nearly 1,000 programs that serve American interests. The cancellation of aid will halt multiple developmental projects in these countries, which previously relied on substantial funds from the United States.
For context, Bangladesh received $440 million, Pakistan $231 million, and Sri Lanka $123 million from USAID in recent years. The termination of these funds has raised concerns about their impact on local projects, especially considering allegations that a portion of this financing was utilized for initiatives against U.S. ally India in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The decision to cut USAID funding by 83% reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing American interests over international aid. The financial ramifications will be particularly felt in Pakistan and Bangladesh, countries that have depended on this assistance for various developmental programs. The potential cessation of these funds raises significant concerns regarding the future of ongoing projects in these nations.
Original Source: www.india.com
