In brief
President Trump's views on foreign aid have dramatically shifted, leading to significant budget cuts that threaten the mission of U.S.A.I.D. and other supportive organizations.
In a shocking turn of events, foreign aid—a cornerstone of American diplomacy—has been slashed since President Trump's second term began. The U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.), which traditionally helps the world’s poorest countries with food, medical aid, and economic growth, is facing major cuts or even extinction.President Trump has called U.S.A.I.D. a place run by "radical lunatics," making dubious claims about its effectiveness in the developing world. Historically, the agency has played a crucial role in fighting diseases like H.I.V. and malaria, providing emergency relief, and promoting American goods abroad. While Trump wasn’t always a fan of foreign assistance, he previously embraced the role of benevolent giver during his first term. Now, a review of nearly 1,000 of his speeches over 15 years shows a stark change: he has shifted from viewing foreign aid as a necessary investment to branding it as wasteful. As the debate rages on, the future of American humanitarian assistance hangs in the balance.
