### Major Overhaul of USAID: A Shift in U.S. Foreign Aid Policy The Trump administration has initiated a significant restructuring of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), resulting in the cancellation of **83% of its programs**. This decision follows a six-week review aimed at realigning U.S. foreign aid priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that only **18% of the agency's programs** will continue under the State Department, marking a historic shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy. The implications of this overhaul raise questions about accountability and the future of U.S. international assistance efforts, as many programs that have operated for decades are now being dismantled [https://www.newsweek.com/usaid-cuts-reveal-need-accountability-us-foreign-aid-opinion-2043584]. ### Breakdown of the USAID Program Cuts 1. **Scope of the Cuts**: - **83% of USAID programs** are being terminated, which translates to approximately **5,200 out of 6,200 programs** [https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-03-10/secretary-of-state-rubio-says-purge-of-usaid-programs-gone]. - The remaining **18%** will be managed by the State Department, indicating a shift in how foreign aid will be administered [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-10/rubio-says-usaid-will-be-part-of-state-face-deep-cuts]. 2. **Rationale Behind the Cuts**: - Rubio stated that many of the canceled programs "did not serve U.S. interests," suggesting a focus on aligning foreign aid with national priorities [https://www.nypost.com/video/rubio-83-of-usaid-programs-axed-in-overhaul-reporter-replay]. - The review was part of a broader strategy to streamline government spending and reorient foreign policy under the Trump administration [https://www.dw.com/en/us-officially-cancelling-83-of-usaid-programs-rubio-says/a-71879861]. 3. **Legal and Political Reactions**: - The cuts have faced criticism and legal challenges, with a federal judge ruling that the Trump administration overstepped its authority in shutting down most foreign aid [https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-says-purge-of-usaid-programs-complete-with-83-of-agencys-programs-gone/articleshow/118867161.cms]. - Critics argue that this drastic reduction in aid could have severe consequences for global development and humanitarian efforts [https://www.startribune.com/secretary-of-state-rubio-says-purge-of-usaid-programs-complete-with-83percent-of-agency-s-programs-gone/601233199]. ### Summary of Findings The recent overhaul of USAID represents a **dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy**, with **83% of its programs being canceled**. This decision, driven by a desire to align aid with national interests, has sparked significant debate regarding the future of U.S. international assistance. The following points summarize the key findings: 1. **Massive Program Cuts**: 83% of USAID programs are terminated, affecting thousands of contracts and initiatives [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-10/rubio-calls-usaid-review-done-after-speedy-appraisal-sows-chaos]. 2. **Shift in Administration**: The remaining programs will be managed by the State Department, indicating a new approach to foreign aid [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/mar/10/marco-rubio-says-state-dept-cancel-83-usaid-contracts]. 3. **Legal Challenges**: The cuts are facing scrutiny and potential legal challenges, raising concerns about the implications for global aid [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-03-10/secretary-of-state-rubio-says-purge-of-usaid-programs-complete-with-83-of-agencys-programs-gone]. This overhaul not only reflects a change in policy but also highlights the need for accountability and a reevaluation of U.S. foreign aid priorities moving forward.