President Donald Trump has launched a campaign against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), describing it as a “tremendous fraud,” even as members of his own family have praised the agency for its work in global development. This stark shift has drawn criticism from advocates, former officials, and the international community, with many questioning the political motives behind Trump’s actions.
Melania Trump, during her tenure as First Lady, publicly lauded USAID during her 2018 solo tour of Africa. At each stop, she emphasized the importance of the agency’s initiatives aimed at improving education, health, and economic opportunities. In Malawi, Melania distributed school supplies to children through a USAID literacy program as part of her “BeBest” initiative. “It’s touching,” she said during an interview at the time, expressing pride in America’s contributions to global education efforts.
“We care,” Melania declared while visiting Egypt, noting her collaboration with USAID. She highlighted how U.S. investments in development create opportunities for freer, more educated societies, ultimately benefiting the United States by fostering stability abroad. Her itinerary also included a visit to the Great Sphinx in Giza, where she examined a USAID-backed preservation project to protect ancient hieroglyphics from erosion.
Similarly, Ivanka Trump spearheaded the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP), a $50 million program aimed at empowering women in developing nations. Introduced in 2019, W-GDP was designed to be administered by USAID to empower 50 million women by 2025. Ivanka stressed the program’s dual purpose of promoting economic growth and bolstering U.S. national security, citing research that links gender inequality to instability and conflict.
Both women’s efforts were met with praise and fanfare at the time. Yet now, President Trump is taking an entirely different stance. A memo released by the White House this week accused USAID of mismanagement and waste, suggesting the agency has long operated without sufficient oversight. “For decades, USAID has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the ridiculous and malicious pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats,” the memo claimed.
This attack on USAID is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to cut back on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies. The administration announced that most USAID employees would be placed on administrative leave, leaving only essential staff to continue operations.
The announcement has alarmed many who have seen firsthand the impact of USAID programs. A former senior USAID official, who worked on projects that Melania observed in Egypt, expressed disbelief at the sudden turn of events. “She was well-briefed and personally interested in our work,” the official recalled. “It’s hard to stomach what’s happening now.”
Critics argue that the move to dismantle USAID is politically motivated and disregards the agency’s crucial role in promoting global stability. “This is a direct attack on the integrity of our foreign assistance programs,” said Marsha Franklin, a political analyst. “The message it sends to the world is troubling—especially when aid programs contribute to security, diplomacy, and development that benefits the U.S.”
Development experts have pointed out that USAID projects often prevent crises before they escalate. Investments in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship are seen as critical to reducing poverty, conflict, and migration.
Luis Rodriguez, an advocate for global development, warned that slashing USAID operations would backfire. “Cutting off these programs will create more instability in regions that are already fragile. We are undermining our long-term security and influence.”
The contrast between Trump’s current rhetoric and his family’s previous support for USAID is raising eyebrows. Despite the president’s harsh criticism, neither Melania nor Ivanka Trump has commented publicly on the matter. The White House has also refused to address the apparent contradiction between their previous advocacy and the president’s new policy.
Political observers suggest that this move may be an effort by Trump to solidify support from his base by targeting what he views as wasteful foreign aid. However, members of Congress have expressed concern over the broader implications. Some lawmakers are reportedly working on measures to protect USAID’s budget and operations.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted across various cities, with demonstrators urging the administration to reconsider. Advocacy groups have called for Congress to exercise greater oversight and preserve the agency’s core programs.
“Development is not a partisan issue,” said Jacob Reinhart, a policy expert on foreign aid. “This is about promoting global peace and security. USAID’s work helps prevent the kinds of crises that would otherwise require costly military intervention. Abandoning these efforts is short-sighted.”
Despite the backlash, the administration remains steadfast. “The president has made a decision, and no amount of grandstanding will change that,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields. Trump’s critics, however, argue that this approach undermines both America’s global leadership and its long-term strategic interests.
As the controversy unfolds, USAID employees are left in a state of uncertainty. Many have vowed to continue advocating for the agency’s mission, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on millions of lives worldwide. For now, the future of U.S. foreign aid hangs in the balance, with both domestic and international stakeholders watching closely.
This standoff highlights the complex interplay between politics, diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance, with the fate of USAID serving as a key indicator of the Trump administration’s foreign policy priorities. Whether the agency can withstand these challenges remains to be seen, but the debate over its role has reignited broader discussions about America’s responsibilities on the world stage.
