Overseas operations for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are reportedly facing a significant shutdown, with staff members being recalled to the U.S. by Friday. This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of the agency’s spending practices under the Trump administration, which has expressed dissatisfaction with USAID’s financial oversight and project allocations.
Peter Marocco, the director of foreign assistance at the State Department, who was appointed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, informed USAID leadership that those who do not comply with the recall will be evacuated by military personnel. The agency has been under fire for years, accused of mismanagement and lack of accountability regarding taxpayer funds.
Critics of USAID have pointed to what they describe as a culture of unaccountability, where large sums of money are directed toward controversial initiatives, including those focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that were launched during the Biden administration. The White House has criticized the agency for acting more like a global charity than a U.S. government entity, suggesting it operates independently of national interests.
Senator Marco Rubio has voiced concerns that USAID has become insubordinate, claiming that the agency’s attitude reflects a belief that it operates outside the control of the federal government. He stated that USAID often undermines the efforts of U.S. embassies around the world, creating friction in international relations.
The situation has attracted attention from other lawmakers. Senator Jodi Ernst from Iowa has called for a thorough review of every dollar allocated to USAID, citing instances where funds intended for humanitarian aid have allegedly been misappropriated. She highlighted a troubling case where $9 million meant for feeding civilians in Syria reportedly ended up in the hands of terrorist groups, alongside other questionable expenditures, such as funding Moroccan pottery classes.
The Trump administration’s push to reform or even shut down USAID reflects a broader critique of the agency’s priorities, which include funding for projects that critics argue do not align with U.S. interests. Among these projects are trade assistance programs for Ukraine that sponsored models for international fashion events and initiatives aimed at reducing opium cultivation in Afghanistan—efforts that have reportedly failed to produce the desired results.
As the recall of USAID personnel unfolds, the agency’s future remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its role and effectiveness in U.S. foreign aid strategy. The situation continues to evolve, drawing attention from both political leaders and the public as they assess the implications of these significant changes.