Marco Rubio Announces Strategic Shift in US Foreign Aid

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the completion of the Trump administration's six-week restructuring of US foreign aid programs. Following this review, 82% of USAID programs were eliminated. The remaining programs will be integrated into the State Department, despite legal challenges from Democratic lawmakers.

In a dramatic reshaping of US foreign aid policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the completion of a six-week organizational overhaul initiated by the Trump administration. As a result, a staggering 82% of the USAID's programs have been eliminated, while the surviving 18% will transition under the State Department's control.

The move, revealed via a social media post on X by Rubio, aligns with a historic pivot in foreign aid strategy directed by Trump appointees alongside Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This realignment follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump aimed at freezing foreign assistance and reassessing aid effectiveness abroad.

The restructuring effort has sparked controversy, with Democratic lawmakers and critics challenging the legality of Congress-funded program closures. Despite objections, administration officials claim the remaining programs will serve US national interests more effectively under the State Department's stewardship.

(With inputs from agencies.)