Key Trump official who dismantled USAID projects leaves State Department
Pete Marocco, the controversial official who spearheaded the dismantling of USAID, has now left the agency, sparking mixed reactions from politicians and aid advocates alike. Marocco, known for his conservative stance and skepticism towards foreign aid, faced fierce backlash during his tenure at USAID. His departure has raised questions about the future of U.S. foreign assistance programs.
After President Donald Trump merged USAID with the State Department, Marco Rubio appointed Marocco as the acting deputy administrator of the agency. Marocco quickly set out to streamline the $40-billion agency, reducing its programs from 6,000 to just 900. Rubio praised Marocco for exposing wasteful spending and abuses of taxpayer dollars within USAID.
In a scathing op-ed for RealClearPolitics, Marocco criticized U.S. foreign aid for creating a global welfare state, interfering in foreign politics, and funding organizations that oppose American interests. His controversial views and drastic actions at USAID drew protests on Capitol Hill and led to his eventual departure from the agency.
Democrats welcomed Marocco’s exit, with Senator Brian Schatz denouncing his tenure as chaotic and harmful to U.S. foreign policy. The decision to replace Marocco with a Department of Global Engagement (DOGE) official signals a shift in leadership at USAID.
Despite his military background and education in international humanitarian law, Marocco faced internal dissent at USAID, with employees raising concerns about his micromanagement and disruptive decision-making. A memo posted in the agency’s dissent channel detailed how Marocco’s leadership had eroded operational capacity and strategic effectiveness within the agency.
As USAID moves forward under new leadership, the future of U.S. foreign aid remains uncertain. Critics fear that Marocco’s legacy may linger, influencing the direction of the agency under Secretary Rubio. The departure of such a polarizing figure has left observers questioning the impact of his tenure on America’s role in global assistance programs.
