Victor Amos
- Global News , News
- March 10, 2025
- 851 views
- 3 minutes Read
“Understanding USAID: Why the Trump Administration Plans to Shut It Down”
The Trump administration, alongside billionaire Elon Musk, is pushing for a major overhaul of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), citing concerns over wasteful spending and misaligned priorities. President Trump has long criticized foreign aid, arguing that it fails to serve US taxpayers’ interests. USAID, in particular, has been a frequent target of his ire. The White House has released a list of USAID projects it claims exemplify “waste and abuse,” including a 1.5million grant loan for LGBTQ group in Serbia, 2.5 million for electric vehicles in Vietnam, and $6 million for tourism in Egypt. Critics, however, dispute the administration’s characterization of these projects. For instance, the Egypt initiative, launched under Trump in 2019, also funded water, education, and transportation projects in the North Sinai region. Upon returning to office, Trump signed an executive order freezing nearly all international spending for a 90-day review. While waivers were later issued for humanitarian programs, the freeze caused significant disruption to global aid efforts. Programs providing life-saving medications and clean water supplies were abruptly halted, with one veteran aid worker describing the pause as “like an earthquake across the aid sector.” The administration’s campaign against USAID has been marred by misinformation. Musk, for example, shared a debunked video falsely claiming that USAID funded Hollywood celebrities’ visits to Ukraine. Tensions escalated when Musk’s representatives were denied access to secure data at USAID headquarters by senior security officials, who were subsequently placed on leave. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, tasked by the White House with overseeing USAID, has stated that many of the agency’s functions will continue but must align with national interests. Public opinion appears to support cuts to foreign aid, with decades of polling data from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs showing broad backing for reducing overseas spending. Can Trump Shut Down USAID?While the White House has significant influence over USAID, its power is not absolute. Established in 1961 under the Foreign Assistance Act, USAID was created by an executive order from President John F. Kennedy. Its status as an independent agency was solidified by law in 1998, meaning Trump cannot unilaterally abolish it. Any attempt to do so would likely face legal and congressional challenges. Closing USAID entirely would require congressional approval, where Trump’s Republican Party holds slim majorities. The administration reportedly aims to integrate USAID into the State Department, mirroring the UK’s 2020 merger of its Department for International Development with the Foreign Office. While such a move could…
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- Global News , International News , News
- March 10, 2025
- 969 views
- 2 minutes Read
“Over 80% of USAID Programs Set to Officially Conclude”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the termination of the vast majority of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programs following a sweeping six-week review. Rubio stated on X that the eliminated initiatives “spent tens of billions in ways that did not serve or even harmed US interests.” Only 18% of USAID’s programs will remain operational, now to be managed by the State Department. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations worldwide, which warn that the move could have devastating consequences, potentially putting lives at risk. The Trump administration has consistently emphasized its “America First” policy, seeking to align overseas spending with national priorities. Shortly after President Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, thousands of USAID employees were placed on leave, and overseas staff were recalled. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid funding and initiating a review of USAID’s global operations, led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). This review resulted in the cancellation of thousands of development contracts and the dismissal of thousands of employees. Rubio revealed that approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 programs have been discontinued following the review. “In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs to be administered more effectively under the State Department,” he added. Rubio also expressed gratitude to Doge and State Department staff for their efforts in achieving what he called an “overdue and historic reform.” However, the move has sparked legal challenges, with Democrats and humanitarian groups arguing that the shutdown of congressionally funded USAID programs is unlawful. USAID’s global missions ranging from famine relief and polio vaccinations to emergency food assistance in conflict zones have been significantly impacted. The repercussions are already being felt worldwide. In Sudan, the suspension of humanitarian aid has forced the closure of over 1,100 communal kitchens supporting victims of the ongoing civil war, leaving nearly two million people without critical assistance. In Oman, dozens of Afghan women who fled the Taliban to pursue higher education now face an uncertain future after their USAID-funded scholarships were abruptly canceled. Similarly, India’s first medical clinic for transgender individuals ceased operations in three cities after US foreign aid was withdrawn. The decision marks a dramatic shift in US foreign aid policy, raising concerns about the long-term humanitarian and diplomatic consequences of these cuts.
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Metascholar News Portal
- Africa , America , News
- February 24, 2025
- 145 views
- 2 minutes Read
Musk’s Push for Government Workforce Changes Exposes Divisions in Trump Administration
Washington, D.C. February 24, 2025. A recent directive from tech billionaire Elon Musk, requiring U.S. government workers to justify their roles, has ignited internal conflicts within former President Donald Trump’s administration. The controversial order has left federal agencies divided, with some instructing employees to comply by Monday night, while others have advised their staff to disregard Musk’s demands entirely. Musk, known for his bold and often unorthodox management style, reportedly issued the directive as part of a broader push to evaluate government efficiency and reduce perceived bureaucratic waste. His request, which some critics likened to wielding a “chainsaw” through federal operations, called for workers to provide detailed justifications of their positions, including their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to government objectives. While certain departments scrambled to meet the deadline, circulating internal memos urging staff to compile their responses, other agencies pushed back. Senior officials in these resistant departments questioned Musk’s authority to demand such information, highlighting the lack of a formal directive from the White House. Some union leaders also voiced concerns, arguing that the move undermined job security and threatened to politicize the civil service. The divide among agencies has exposed broader rifts within the Trump administration over Musk’s influence on government policies. As an outspoken entrepreneur with significant sway in sectors like technology, space, and infrastructure, Musk’s involvement in governmental affairs has often been polarizing. Supporters view his input as a means to inject innovation and efficiency into federal operations, while critics fear his influence could erode traditional governance structures. As Monday’s deadline looms, uncertainty persists among government workers. Many are left wondering whether to comply with Musk’s directive or align with their agency’s stance against it. The situation has prompted calls for clear guidance from the White House to restore order and provide clarity to thousands of federal employees caught in the crossfire.
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- America , News
- January 21, 2025
- 198 views
- 3 minutes Read
Trump Declares U.S. Government Will Officially Recognize Only Male and Female Genders
In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced today that the federal government will officially recognize only two genders male and female in all government records and policies. The decision, which takes immediate effect, signals a significant shift in how the government addresses gender identity, effectively excluding non-binary and other gender identities from official recognition. President Trump described the policy as an effort to restore what he referred to as “clarity and common sense” in the administration of federal programs and policies. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “This decision ensures that our government policies are based on biological definitions, fostering stability and consistency across all government institutions.” The announcement has sparked intense debate across the country. Advocates for the policy argue that it aligns with traditional values and simplifies administrative processes. “This is a reaffirmation of biological truths that have served as the foundation of our society for centuries,” said a supporter of the policy. Many who share this perspective believe that the decision reaffirms cultural norms and provides a clear framework for governmental operations. However, the policy has also drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, and progressive lawmakers. Critics argue that the decision undermines the rights of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, increasing the risk of discrimination and erasure. “This policy is not about clarity it is about exclusion,” said a spokesperson for a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. “It disregards the lived experiences of millions of Americans whose identities do not fit into this binary framework, and it will have serious consequences for their access to government services.” Legal experts have also weighed in, predicting potential challenges to the policy in court. “The decision raises questions about equal protection under the law,” noted one constitutional lawyer. “It may face significant scrutiny, especially given its implications for anti-discrimination protections and access to federally funded programs.” The broader implications of the policy are expected to ripple across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and civil rights enforcement. For instance, critics warn that excluding non-binary identities could complicate access to gender-affirming medical care or appropriate accommodations in schools and workplaces. As the U.S. grapples with growing awareness and acceptance of diverse gender identities, this policy shift underscores the ongoing tension between differing cultural, social, and political perspectives on gender. The debate surrounding the announcement is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, as advocacy groups and policymakers consider their next steps in response to the decision.
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Senior Aide to Mexico City Mayor Gunned Down in Public Daylight Shooting
- May 21, 2025
- 1757 views
Passengers to Enjoy 15% Reduction in Transport Fares from May 24
- May 20, 2025
- 2300 views
“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”
- May 19, 2025
- 3973 views
Deals worth $300bn signed with U.S, says Saudi crown Prince
- May 15, 2025
- 622 views
“Foreign Nationals Arrested by National Security for Illegal Gold Trading”
- May 14, 2025
- 534 views
