The New York Center For Foreign Policy Affairs (NYCFPA) strongly opposed Trump’s decision to cancel more than 80% of US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs. It is a move that weakens the US relationship with its allies and threatens global humanitarian aid.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that 5200 USAID programs were terminated. He claimed that all of these contracts harmed national interests. This cancellation would have a severe impact on aid programs that provide food and medical services to millions across the world. The remaining 1000 programs will be under review by the State Department, which has raised concerns about their effectiveness and oversight.
This decision according to the Trump 90-day pause on foreign aid has plunged USAID into chaos. Millions of needy people will be affected due to halting life-saving food and medical assistance. Several USAID staff have lost their jobs and some of them were placed on indefinite leave. While the Trump administration claims to have issued waivers for emergency aid, humanitarian groups report that funds remain frozen.
Rubio praised the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its collaborative work and help in executing this drastic reduction. Elon Musk the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) defended the cuts by saying “tough but necessary” Additionally, reports also indicate tensions between Musk and Rubio over the extent of State Department staffing reductions.
The NYCFPA strongly condemned this reckless move that put the political agenda of priority rather than humanitarian aid. USAID has long been an independent agency that provides foreign aid in times of crisis, conflict, and natural disasters. Freezing aid has weakened the ability of USAID to undermine the US credibility and endangered those in need.
We urge Congress to take immediate action to restore critical USAID funding and protect America’s global humanitarian mission.
