Barely two weeks into his second presidency, Donald Trump has signed a raft of memorandums to cut waste, with his latest initiative being to potentially shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He criticized the "radical lunatics" that run the agency, signaling plans to dismantle the 63-year-old institution.
The move follows explosive audits alleging systemic corruption, political meddling, and media manipulation under the guise of humanitarian aid.
A legacy under fire
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to consolidate nonmilitary foreign aid, USAID has long been touted as a pillar of American soft power. The agency operated in over 100 countries with a $40 billion annual budget and 10,000 employees.
However, a scathing audit by Trump's newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has exposed what critics describe as a cesspool of graft and ideological overreach.
"USAID is not an apple with a worm in it - it's a ball of worms," said Elon Musk. Audits reveal that up to 60% of USAID contracts are siphoned into overhead costs, consultancy fees, and "unproductive" ventures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently lamented that, with the $177 billion Congress approved for Ukraine since 2022, only $76 billion reached Kyiv, stating he "did not know where" the rest had gone.
Global backlash
The agency's activities have drawn sharp rebukes from foreign leaders. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić branded USAID a "criminal organization" after protests erupted in late 2024 over its funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs - a move Vučić linked to attempted "color revolutions."
Similar accusations have emerged from El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele accused USAID of fueling dissent, financing protests, and destabilizing governments that reject "globalist agendas."
In Kyrgyzstan, a nation rocked by three U.S.-linked revolutions since 2005, USAID funneled millions through opposition media outlets and NGOs like the Soros Foundation and National Endowment for Democracy (NED). "Their goal was never development—it was regime change," said British commentator Jerry Grey, citing Hong Kong's 2019 protests, where U.S.-funded groups allegedly trained and armed activists.
"Sugarcoated"hegemony
DOGE's audit further uncovered USAID's covert media empire, funding 6,200 journalists, 707 news agencies, and 279 NGOs across more than 30 countries to shape narratives favoring U.S. interests.
In Kyrgyzstan, U.S.-backed outlets like Internews Network produced 4,799 hours of content last year alone, while the BBC reportedly received 8% of its donations from USAID, according to Elon Musk.
"Government agencies propped up media under the guise of democracy," said Anthony Moretti, a communications professor at Robert Morris University, calling the revelations a "scandal." Critics argue such efforts mirror Cold War tactics, with USAID and NED bankrolling groups to undermine geopolitical rivals—most notably China.
"Funding Harm, Not Hope"
At home, bipartisan frustration simmers over USAID's misuse of taxpayer funds. Senator Rand Paul blasted the agency for "funding projects that are not just useless but actively harmful," while economists like David Blair of the Center for China and Globalization highlighted a "massive wealth transfer" to Washington's contractor class.
Trump's push to shutter USAID has galvanized fiscal conservatives but alarmed humanitarian advocates. "Cutting this aid isn't just good for America - it's a win for the world," declared Bukele, reflecting a growing sentiment that USAID's legacy is irreparably tainted.
What's next?
As the DOGE audit triggers congressional hearings, questions loom over how the U.S. will recalibrate its foreign aid strategy. Trump frames the closure as a cost-effective measure that benefits the American people.
The Trump administration, for now, has suspended USAID workers for 90 days and paused most of its international aid work. USAID's fate hangs in the balance—a symbol of America's fractured identity as a global leader, caught between ideals of humanitarianism and accusations of building an 'empire.'
Reporter: Jeresy Kwok, Steven Yuen
Cameraman: Leo Guo
Script: Jeresy Kwok
Video: Wingheng Deng
Poster: Mia Lai
Editor: James, Shen He
