"US Cuts 83% of USAID Programs in Shift to Prioritize National Interests"

The US has made a significant shift in its approach to international aid, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing a dramatic reduction in the number of programs funded through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision comes after a comprehensive six-week evaluation, leading to the termination of the majority of these programs. "After a six-week review, we are officially ending 83% of the programs in USAID. We cancelled 5200 contracts. Although billions of dollars have been spent so far, there has been no result and in some cases, there were negative results. However, America's national interests are paramount. Thank you to the DoS staff who worked hard for these reforms," Rubio revealed in a tweet, highlighting the government's focus on putting American interests first.

Following discussions with Congress, it was resolved that financial support would continue for a select number of programs, signifying a more selective approach to international aid moving forward. This decision reflects the administration's broader strategy under President Donald Trump, who has been actively streamlining USAID's operations. Trump, in his second term as President, has taken a firm stance on scrutinizing the effectiveness of USAID operations, resulting in the temporary suspension of funding for thousands of programs globally and the departure of numerous employees associated with these initiatives.

Amid these sweeping changes, there has been a flurry of legal activity challenging Trump's decision to halt financial aid. Several lawsuits have emerged, contesting the suspension of funds, indicating a contentious response to the administration's policies. This legal pushback underscores the complex nature of international development assistance and the varied opinions on the best way to manage and distribute such aid.

In summary, the US government's decision to significantly reduce its international aid programs through USAID marks a pivotal change in its foreign assistance strategy. By focusing on a smaller set of programs and emphasizing national interests, the administration aims to streamline its efforts and ensure more effective use of resources. This move, while controversial, reflects a broader trend of reevaluating and refining government operations to better align with strategic objectives.