In the weeks following Donald Trump's inauguration, the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) faced significant turmoil. On Inauguration Day, President Trump halted foreign aid programs with a confusing executive order, leaving many, including newly appointed officials, in the dark.
Shortly after the order, U.S.A.I.D. instructed aid organizations to cease operations and put forth a ban on communication. Internally, employees rebelled against what they perceived as dangerous directives. Tensions flared when government leaders responded negatively to this resistance, setting the stage for U.S.A.I.D.'s potential dismantling.
Jason Gray, who unexpectedly found himself at the helm of U.S.A.I.D. under challenging circumstances, initially encouraged staff by promising innovation and new partnerships. However, just two weeks later, the agency teetered on the brink of collapse, rendering its global projects inactive and staff left idle. The example highlights the stark contrasts within the agency and the uncertainties that ensued during Trump's early administration.
