The Trump administration has terminated the US Agency for International Development (USAID) after six decades of operation. This closure is part of the administration’s broader efforts to curb the federal government and was a key target of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
USAID was established as an independent agency in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, following the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act by the U.S. Congress. Throughout its history, its core mission has been to collaborate with countries globally to combat extreme poverty and foster resilient, democratic societies.
The agency’s support has been instrumental in significant global achievements. For instance, USAID’s contributions were vital to agriculture’s Green Revolution, a movement credited with saving an estimated 1 billion lives worldwide. Additionally, working alongside other international partners, the agency played a crucial role in strengthening health systems globally, contributing to a 69% reduction in deaths among children under five since 1990.
However, funding for many of these leading programs had been either cut off or significantly reduced under the Trump administration, ultimately leading to their cessation.
