Summary
Trump is withdrawing nearly all USAID workers worldwide, effectively dismantling the agency.
Staff must return within 30 days unless deemed essential, while foreign aid programs, including security assistance and disease response, are halted.
Critics warn the move undermines U.S. influence and violates congressional authority. The American Foreign Service Association is preparing legal action.
The shutdown leaves billions in aid stranded, disrupts global projects, and forces employees into abrupt relocations with limited support.
Do you actually think they’re shutting down USAID because they’re going to redirect those funds to fixing American poverty or infrastructure?
Your take on soft power is as ignorant as Trump/Musk’s. The game is being played no matter what. Russia and China are always playing. We just walked away from the table and any chips we have will quickly be stolen. As a rich, powerful county, we don’t have the option not to play (and stay powerful anyway).