USAID mission to close: report

Overseas missions for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have reportedly been instructed to close down, with staff being recalled to the United States by Friday. This decision was communicated by Peter Marocco, the director of foreign assistance at the State Department, who was appointed by Secretary Marco Rubio to lead USAID. Those who do not comply with this directive have been warned that they will be evacuated by the military.

The Trump administration has been critical of USAID’s spending practices, accusing the agency of lacking transparency and accountability. The White House stated that USAID has been channeling significant amounts of taxpayer money towards questionable projects without proper oversight. Critics have pointed out that USAID has allocated funds to programs that are considered controversial, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives introduced during the Biden administration.

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio expressed concerns about USAID’s lack of alignment with U.S. national interests. He criticized the agency for behaving as if it were a global charity rather than a government entity. Rubio emphasized the need to reform USAID, highlighting instances of insubordination within the agency.

Senator Jodi Ernst has called for a thorough examination of every dollar allocated to USAID. She cited instances where humanitarian aid intended for civilians in Syria ended up in the hands of terrorists, as well as funds spent on seemingly frivolous projects such as Moroccan pottery classes and trade assistance for Ukrainian models to attend fashion events.

Ernst also pointed out the unintended consequences of USAID initiatives, such as the increase in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan despite efforts to promote crop growth. She highlighted instances where USAID allocated funds for projects like creating a version of Sesame Street in Iraq.

The controversy surrounding USAID’s spending practices underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability within the agency. As efforts to reform USAID continue, it is essential to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and in alignment with U.S. national interests.