USAID

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Trump Puts USAID on Ice – Are Donations Also Frozen?

executive order - foreign aid - HIV - malaria - public health - Tanzania NGOs - Trump administration - USAID

Breaking News: A frosty wind blows over USAID as Trump sends dozens of seasoned officials on leave – what's the impact on global aid?

In a shocking move that has sent tremors through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Trump administration has placed about 60 senior officials on administrative leave. This sudden decision comes amid an investigation into claims that these officials have not adhered to the President's recent executive order, which calls for a temporary freeze on most U.S. foreign assistance. Sources familiar with the internal dynamics at USAID reveal that this reshuffling of leadership aims to enact more stringent oversight over international aid, amidst increasing pressure from the White House to reassess foreign funding programs.

The sweeping implications of this action could be felt not just within the agency but also across various sectors reliant on U.S. aid. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in countries like Tanzania are already bracing for the fallout, as essential services – including healthcare and agricultural support – hang in the balance. Stakeholders are now urging local governments to re-evaluate national projects, highlighting the critical need for continued aid and support to safeguard against potential crises resulting from these funding freezes.

Moreover, the ongoing shakeup at USAID raises questions about the broader strategy of U.S. foreign aid in light of the Trump administration’s ambitions. By sidestepping established protocols and leadership, the administration hints at a paradigm shift in how aid is dispensed. Analysts note that the loss of experienced staff could lead to significant disruptions in aid effectiveness, potentially jeopardizing international relationships that the U.S. has strived to cultivate over decades.

As the investigation unfolds, the uncertainty leaves many wondering how these changes will reshape the future of USAID and its mission worldwide. The response from the international community remains to be seen, but one fact is clear: in this game of high-stakes politics, the collateral damage could be felt far beyond the halls of Washington, D.C.

Interestingly, the U.S. has historically been one of the largest donors of foreign aid globally, contributing over $30 billion a year to various programs. Moreover, USAID's budget supports initiatives in over 100 countries, demonstrating its crucial role in fostering development and addressing humanitarian crises. As this latest episode unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between domestic policy and global responsibility.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Daily Maverick"

Trump administration targets dozens of senior USAID staff after aid ... (Daily Maverick)

The Trump administration has put on leave about 60 senior career officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sources familiar with ...

Dozens of senior officials at top U.S. aid agency put on leave: reports (CBS News)

At least 56 senior officials in the top U.S. aid and development agency have been placed on leave amid a probe into an alleged effort to thwart President ...

USAID officials put on leave for allegedly not abiding by executive ... (WAMU 88.5)

The United States Agency for International Development is the federal agency that administers foreign aid and development assistance. Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency ...

USAID funding halt puts Tanzania NGOs, agriculture at risk (The Citizen)

Stakeholders are urging the Tanzanian government to review national projects to ensure essential services, including the supply of medicines, ...

USAID workers put on leave as Trump officials investigate ... (Fox News)

At least 56 senior USAID officials have been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into resistance to President Donald Trump's order to pause ...

Over 50 USAID senior officials put on leave over fears they might ... (Fortune)

It follows Trump's executive order last week that directed a sweeping 90-day pause on most U.S. foreign assistance disbursed through the State Department.

Trump Cuts Off the Snake's Head, Sidelines USAID Leadership (Hungarian Conservative)

After freezing almost all US foreign assistance last week, Donald Trump took an unexpected step on Monday by ordering dozens of senior officials at the US ...

Implementing the President's Executive Order on Reevaluating and ... (US Embassy in Serbia)

Consistent with President Trump's Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, Secretary Rubio has paused all U.S. foreign ...

USAID officials put on leave for allegedly not abiding by executive order (wgbh.org)

... (USAID) on leave for allegedly not abiding by President Trump's executive order to freeze much of U.S. foreign aid. NPR obtained a copy of a message sent to all USAID staff by acting administrator Jason Gray: “We have identified several actions within USAID ...

Trump's strict foreign funding freeze sparks panic among ... (ABC News)

ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jon Karl reports on the sweeping freeze on all federal grants and funds by the Trump administration.

Digital 1.27: USAID staffers put on leave by Trump (wgbh.org)

NPR obtained a copy of a message sent to all USAID staff by acting administrator Jason Gray: “We have identified several actions within USAID that appear to be ...

AP report: Dozens of USAID officials placed on leave as agency ... (PBS NewsHour)

It follows Trump's executive order last week that directed a sweeping 90-day pause on most U.S. foreign assistance disbursed through the State Department.

Trump administration puts senior USAID officials on leave (wgbh.org)

NPR obtained a copy of a message sent to all USAID staff by acting administrator Jason Gray: “We have identified several actions within USAID that appear to be ...

Charities reeling from USAid freeze warn of 'life or death' effects (The Guardian)

Abrupt order has done 'serious damage', say experts, with supply chains halted, HIV clinics struggling to source drugs and refugee camps facing loss of ...

USAID ordered to halt crucial medicine supplies: reports (FiercePharma)

The Trump administration's executive order pausing foreign aid programs has sent crash waves through relief organizations such as the United States Agency ...

Purge at USAID stifles dissent over aid freeze, officials say (Reuters)

A purge of senior staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development appeared designed to silence any dissent over President Donald Trump's plans to ...

How Donald Trump's USAID pause threatens HIV and AIDS support ... (Independent Online)

Just eight days into his presidency, US President Donald Trump has signed numerous executive orders that are having far-reaching effects across the globe.

Trump order set to halt supply of HIV, malaria drugs to poor ... (Reuters)

The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, ...

Over 55 USAid officials put on leave after Trump orders (The Manila Times)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At least 56 senior officials in the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) were placed on leave on Monday amid an ...

USAID workers put on leave as Trump officials investigate resistance to White House agenda (New York Post)

USAID humanitarian aid destined for Venezuela is displayed for the media at a warehouse next to Politico first reported the news of these officials being placed on administrative leave, as while under investigation, they will receive full pay and benefits.