Trump Demands USAID Shutdown continues strategic overhaul.

Washington, D.C.  —   Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his campaign to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), calling for its immediate closure.

Trump made the demand in a statement on his Truth Social platform, declaring, “THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE. CLOSE IT DOWN!” His remarks reflect his broader agenda to shrink the federal government, with USAID among his primary targets.

Since beginning his second term last month, Trump has aggressively moved to restructure government agencies, slashing USAID’s funding and freezing foreign aid programs. Thousands of its overseas employees have been ordered back to the U.S., and reports suggest the agency’s workforce, currently around 10,000, could be reduced to just 300.

Labor unions have challenged the legality of these measures, including buyout offers for federal employees. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats insist that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally dismantle government agencies, pointing out that such actions require legislative approval. Despite this, Trump has also announced his intent to shut down the Department of Education.

USAID, which operates in approximately 120 countries, plays a vital role in global health, emergency relief, and development initiatives. The agency has long been viewed as a crucial tool of American diplomacy, countering geopolitical rivals like China.

Critics, particularly among hard-right Republicans and libertarians, have frequently questioned USAID’s necessity, labeling its expenditures as excessive. The Trump administration has amplified these concerns, accusing the agency of widespread fraud, though no substantial evidence has been provided.

Currently, the U.S. allocates about $58 billion annually to foreign assistance, a figure that represents less than 1.4% of total government spending over the past 25 years, according to the Pew Research Center.

As political battles over USAID’s fate continue, the agency’s future remains uncertain, with opposition mounting from both domestic and international stakeholders.

By Taiwo Olatinwo |February 8, 2025