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| USAID is a U.S. government agency that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid | Photo: Forbes |
The Trump administration is planning to bring the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the control of the State Department, effectively ending its independence, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. If implemented, this move would mark a significant shift in Washington’s foreign aid policy.
The National Security Council reportedly discussed the matter this week. A U.S. official confirmed the discussions but stated that no final decision has been made.
Last week, the Trump administration ordered a review of U.S. foreign aid, questioning whether billions of dollars in global assistance align with the “America First” foreign policy and ensuring taxpayer money is not wasted.
A source indicated that the White House is exploring legal avenues to enable Trump to dissolve USAID’s independence via executive order. He could sign the order as early as Saturday, though it remains unclear whether he has the legal authority to bypass Congress in merging USAID into the State Department.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed rumors about the plan, warning that eliminating USAID as an independent agency would be unlawful and against national interests. In a post on X, he called such a move “illegal and detrimental to national security.”
Neither USAID nor the White House has issued an immediate response to these reports.
Sources suggest that Elon Musk, leading Trump’s newly formed Office of Government Efficiency, has been involved in discussions. He has reportedly visited USAID’s Washington office multiple times this week.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued a series of executive orders fulfilling his campaign promises. During his first term in 2016, he pledged to restructure the federal bureaucracy, which he deemed an obstacle to his policies.
If USAID is placed under the State Department, it could negatively impact the world’s largest single donor agency, which provides life-saving aid globally. A source familiar with USAID’s operations warned that such a move could severely affect its humanitarian work.
USAID has historically aided countries like Iran, with which the U.S. lacks diplomatic relations, by supporting infrastructure projects like bridge construction. If its operations become politically driven, these benefits may disappear. Should Trump’s plan succeed, the administrator position created under former President Joe Biden would be eliminated.