The administration of US President Donald Trump has developed a plan to restructure the country’s foreign aid program, aimed at increasing flexibility and focus while enhancing its effectiveness in countering China.
According to Politico, a key element of the reform will be renaming the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance. The new structure will focus on healthcare, food aid, and disaster relief programs.
Additionally, politically oriented programs, such as promoting democracy, religious freedom, and women’s rights, will be transferred to the control of the US State Department. These changes will require Congressional approval.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recently appointed as acting head of USAID, stated that the agency would undergo a “top-to-bottom” review. He emphasized that after the reassessment, some aid programs may be reinstated or increased.
As part of the restructuring, significant personnel cuts at USAID are expected, which could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. The agency also proposed a flight program for staff working abroad, fully funded by USAID.
