Marco Rubio cites the “America First” policy as he announces the termination of more than 80% of USAID programs

More than 80% of USAID initiatives were discontinued because they did not advance American interests, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that after a comprehensive six-week evaluation, the great majority of USAID’s activities have been discontinued.

The programs had “spent tens of billions in ways that did not serve” or even hurt US interests, according to Rubio’s post on X. He affirmed that only 18% of USAID’s activities will continue, with the State Department now in charge.

Humanitarian groups have widely criticized the decision, stating that ending USAID’s long-running projects suddenly could put lives in peril all throughout the world.

In line with its “America First” stance, the Trump administration has redoubled its efforts to reform foreign expenditures.
On January 20, shortly after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, an executive order was issued freezing all foreign assistance funds, recalling abroad staff, and placing thousands of USAID employees on leave. Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) were given the responsibility by the administration to spearhead an extensive evaluation of USAID’s international operations.

Approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 initiatives were eventually canceled as a result of the study. “We plan to use the State Department to better administer the remaining 18% of programs we are keeping, after consulting with Congress,” Rubio said. Doge and State Department representatives “who worked very long hours to achieve this overdue and historic reform” were also thanked by him.

Humanitarian groups and Democrats have filed legal challenges against the move, arguing that USAID’s congressionally financed initiatives cannot be abruptly discontinued.

The shutdown is already having a big impact on the world. Over 1,100 communal kitchens in Sudan have closed as a result of humanitarian supplies being halted, leaving nearly two million people without a place to live as a result of the civil war.

Many Afghan women who had escaped the Taliban to study in Oman now risk deportation after their USAID-funded scholarships were canceled. Concurrently, President Trump suspended foreign funding for India’s first transgender medical clinic, forcing the clinic to close its doors in three cities.

Concerns about the decision’s long-term humanitarian effects still exist as the administration continues its reform.