Trump Administration Plans Major USAID Restructuring Amid Job Cuts

The Trump administration is pursuing a significant restructuring of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), requesting congressional approval to integrate the agency's functions into the Department of State. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the aim is to align U.S. foreign assistance with national interests and to focus on essential programs. However, this overhaul has led to the elimination of nearly all USAID positions not mandated by law, prompting concerns about the impact on global humanitarian efforts, particularly in light of recent disasters like the earthquake in Myanmar. Critics argue that the move undermines U.S. leadership in international aid and could hinder disaster response capabilities. State Department officials have assured that the reorganization will not affect aid delivery, but apprehensions remain about the administration's potential overreach and the future of independent foreign aid programs. The changes are scheduled to take effect by July 1, 2025, raising alarms about the swift reduction in workforce and the broader implications for international development.