Trump’s USAID Dismantling: Chaos Under the Guise of Efficiency “`

Donald Trump’s swift and unlawful dismantling of USAID, effectively weakening American influence, is anything but efficient. Recently, USAID’s former Inspector General revealed that $500 million worth of U.S.-grown food is spoiling in ports and warehouses, food intended for programs aiding children in Bangladesh and refugees in Sudan. (The Inspector General faced repercussions for this disclosure.)

Similarly, hindering the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a highly successful global health initiative that has saved 26 million lives, lacks efficiency. PEPFAR provides HIV treatment to over 20 million people; halting aid increases the risk of outbreaks.

From providing clean water in Africa to fostering economic growth in Mali and El Salvador, delivering vital care in Thailand and Syria, and combating human trafficking in Nepal and Liberia, USAID workers achieve remarkable results daily.

USAID’s success extends beyond moral considerations. It annually contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, supporting farmers and businesses. It also aids in counterterrorism efforts, promotes American interests globally, and uniquely forges partnerships to counter the influence of nations like China and Russia.

China and Russia are capitalizing on America’s withdrawal. They are swiftly assuming projects abandoned by the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, highlighting a consequence of this chaotic situation: an empowered China exploiting American isolation to expand its influence.

USAID, like any organization, has room for improvement. Addressing inefficiencies and aligning funding with priorities is a legitimate legislative function. As the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing foreign aid, I was prepared to work on these issues.

However, the abrupt closure of USAID—in violation of the law—reveals a core truth: this action isn’t about efficiency; it’s about eliminating government entities Trump dislikes. Such a purge in another country would be deemed an authoritarian takeover. The fact that it’s happening domestically doesn’t change that.

Many claims about USAID’s alleged flaws are either false or previously known. Furthermore, the rationale for deemed unnecessary funding is vague and unsubstantiated, using terms like “woke,” “radical,” and “criminal.”

Reforms should occur through the legislative process, not executive overreach. To change a program, propose a law; don’t dismantle the government. Our three branches of government exist to prevent such anarchy masked as fiscal responsibility.

While “move fast and break things” might be acceptable in the tech world, it’s unacceptable for world leaders. The stakes are lives and livelihoods—tens of millions of them. People will die, disease will spread, and famine will worsen. Trump’s claim that efficiency requires chaos and cruelty is a false choice that we must reject.