The future of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has recently come into question. With the Trump administration pushing for major changes, including a potential merger with the US Department of State, many are left wondering what will happen to the agency and its crucial global programs. Here’s an in-depth look at the agency’s role, the controversy surrounding its funding, and the impact of possible changes.

What Is USAID and Why Does It Matter?

Founded in the 1960s, USAID is the primary U.S. government agency tasked with administering international humanitarian aid. Its mission spans across various critical sectors, such as health, food security, and disaster relief, helping countries around the world combat poverty and instability. With around 10,000 employees—two-thirds of whom work overseas—the agency has a presence in over 60 countries and partners with local organizations to deliver aid. USAID has played a central role in global health initiatives, such as providing polio vaccinations and helping to combat pandemics.

In 2023, the U.S. spent $68 billion on international aid, with USAID managing over half of that budget. The agency’s efforts have helped provide crucial support for disaster-stricken regions, mitigate the spread of diseases like Ebola, and promote economic development in impoverished areas.

Trump’s Proposal to Merge USAID with the State Department

Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the future of USAID has been under scrutiny. Trump has expressed a desire to align U.S. foreign aid with his “America First” approach, which focuses on prioritizing national interests over global humanitarian support. His administration is now considering merging USAID into the U.S. Department of State, a move that could drastically change the way U.S. international aid is managed.

While merging the two entities could streamline operations, critics argue it may lead to a loss of focus on humanitarian issues and reduce the agency’s expertise in global development. If successful, the merger could resemble the UK’s 2020 decision to combine its Department for International Development (DFID) with the Foreign Office, which sparked concerns about diminishing the UK’s influence and ability to effectively manage international aid.

Trump and Musk’s Criticism of USAID

President Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have both voiced strong criticisms of USAID, claiming that its spending is wasteful and misaligned with U.S. interests. Trump has singled out several projects as examples of “waste and abuse,” including grants for electric vehicles in Vietnam and tourism in Egypt. Critics argue that these claims misrepresent the projects’ true value and impact.

Trump has even suggested that USAID should be shut down entirely, a sentiment shared by Musk, who has called the agency a “criminal organization.” However, neither Trump nor Musk have provided substantial evidence to support their claims, and efforts to shut down or significantly cut USAID’s budget are expected to face legal challenges.

What Would Happen if USAID Were Closed or Merged?

USAID’s global influence is hard to overstate. The agency funds crucial programs, such as prosthetics for injured soldiers in Ukraine, landmine clearance in Africa, and support for vulnerable communities worldwide. Shutting down or merging the agency would have far-reaching consequences, both for the countries relying on U.S. aid and for the global reputation of the United States as a humanitarian leader.

If USAID were to be eliminated or absorbed into the State Department, the funding for these initiatives could dwindle. This could result in delays in aid distribution, negatively impacting programs that prevent the spread of diseases, provide emergency relief, and support economic development. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of expertise in managing international programs that are crucial to global security and prosperity.

Legal and Political Hurdles to Shutting Down USAID

Despite Trump’s desire to overhaul USAID, any attempt to close the agency would likely face significant legal and political challenges. USAID was created by Congress through the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and its status as an executive agency was confirmed by law in 1998. For the agency to be dissolved, Congress would have to pass legislation, which seems unlikely given the opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.

Even if Trump succeeded in merging with the State Department, the transition could be messy and result in a loss of focus on critical development programs. This shift could lead to inefficiencies and hinder the U.S.’s ability to respond effectively to global crises.

The Future of U.S. International Aid

The controversy surrounding highlights the growing tension between supporting global humanitarian efforts and prioritizing national interests. While there are valid concerns about government spending and efficiency, any drastic changes to USAID could undermine the U.S.’s standing as a global leader in international development. As debates continue, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will balance its foreign policy goals with the urgent need to address global poverty, disease, and instability.

With legal battles looming and global aid efforts hanging in the balance, the future of USAID remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: any major shifts in U.S. international aid will have profound consequences on vulnerable populations worldwide.