Summary
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially closed and its responsibilities have been transferred to the State Department. This decision follows significant cuts to the agency's programs, and it has drawn criticism from former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as other global leaders.
Key Facts
- USAID, founded in 1961, was the US government's main agency for providing foreign aid.
- Over 80% of USAID's programs were canceled before the agency officially closed.
- The State Department has absorbed the remaining programs.
- President Donald Trump and his administration aimed to reduce overseas spending and align it with "America First" policies.
- Researchers from the Lancet medical journal warned that aid cuts could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, many of whom would be children.
- A State Department representative claimed the study made "incorrect assumptions" and promised more efficient aid administration.
- The decision to close USAID received global criticism, including from humanitarian organizations.
- Former Presidents Obama and Bush, along with U2 singer Bono, criticized the closure, highlighting the aid impact, especially on HIV/AIDS programs.
