The Trump administration's complex relationship with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has drawn attention following President Donald Trump’s recent denunciation of the agency.
The Daily Mail reported that President Trump criticized USAID for corruption, and key revelations emerged regarding how Melania and Ivanka Trump utilized USAID resources for their initiatives during his first term.
During Trump’s presidency, funds from USAID were used to benefit programs led by both Melania and Ivanka Trump. Notably, these programs sought to advance certain governmental efforts. Critics began to scrutinize these associations after Trump's statements this week.
Melania Trump led the Be Best initiative, a program aimed at promoting children's well-being. This initiative gained significant support from USAID, which helped fund and promote it, particularly in developing nations.
Similarly, Ivanka Trump’s Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative received substantial backing from USAID. The agency contributed to its annual $265 million spending, aimed at enhancing women’s business initiatives and combating poverty globally.
Despite these notable involvements, President Trump recently labeled USAID actions as wasteful and corrupt. This declaration raised questions about how funds were allocated during his first term.
Melania Trump made headlines when she visited Africa in 2018, traveling with USAID representatives. In Malawi, she publicized the agency's national reading program, highlighting educational development as part of her Be Best campaign.
In April 2019, Ivanka Trump journeyed to Africa accompanied by then-USAID Administrator Mark Green. Their visit focused on advancing women's economic empowerment in the region. Later that year, she traveled to Colombia to promote similar initiatives.
To underscore the alignment between Melania's initiatives and USAID's agenda, the agency appointed a Be Best ambassador shortly after the program’s May 2018 introduction. This move symbolized USAID's commitment to partnering with the administration’s efforts.
According to Ivanka Trump, USAID-backed programs significantly impacted global communities during the administration's first term. These ventures reportedly benefited 12 million women worldwide, fueling economic development and empowerment.
However, despite these accomplishments, the Trump administration is now considering significant changes to USAID's operations. In a controversial move, hundreds of USAID contractors were placed on unpaid leave, with some facing termination.
Further compounding the situation, discussions are underway regarding potentially shutting down the agency altogether, a decision reflective of President Trump’s recent criticisms.
With recent administrative changes, Senator Marco Rubio was appointed acting director of USAID. This appointment comes in the wake of proposed reforms initiated by the administration, aiming to curtail inefficient spending practices.
In parallel, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by influential entrepreneur Elon Musk, has propelled initiatives to eliminate waste within government agencies. This initiative, known as the DOGE program, has attracted wide attention.
The closure of USAID’s Washington D.C. office embodies these fiscal ambitions. Many employees were instructed to either work from home or placed on leave as part of this restructuring effort.
