Trump plans to restructure USAID's focus and size

The Trump administration has introduced a new plan to restructure the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This follows recent layoffs of thousands of USAID employees after significant cuts to foreign aid contracts, with about 90% eliminated. The proposal aims to narrow USAID's focus to key issues such as global health, food security, and disaster response. The organization will be renamed the U.S. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance. Programs that promote democracy and women's empowerment will be transferred to the State Department. To better compete with China, Trump plans to merge the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which fights global poverty, with another agency that promotes U.S. trade and development. The goal is to enhance private sector investment in sectors like energy and infrastructure. While the plan aligns with Trump's administration goals, it is unclear if it has been officially approved by senior officials. The proposal criticizes existing development efforts as inefficient and calls for clear objectives and deadlines for aid programs. Trump aims to reshape foreign aid under his vision, following a series of controversial actions, including withdrawing from the World Health Organization. Critics argue that his policies have put lives at risk by cutting essential aid and support worldwide.