Related videos:
The administration of President Donald Trump has dismantled the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), integrating it under the control of the State Department.
The journalist Walter Curt reported on X: "CONFIRMED: The State Department has absorbed USAID. Now, the State Department displays a reduced version of the agency on its website."
Furthermore, Elon Musk, a close associate of Trump, retweeted: "USAID is a criminal organization. It's time for it to die," while sharing a post from the account Autism Capital, which reported that two USAID officials were put on leave on Saturday night after refusing to allow members of DOGE access to the agency's systems.
Since last Saturday, the official USAID website (usaid.gov) has been down and displays a message that the server cannot be reached. This action coincides with the removal of USAID's official account on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
This restructuring comes after an executive order from President Trump that froze most foreign aid for 90 days, impacting numerous international programs and projects.
In the Cuban context, this measure has significant implications for independent media and NGOs that received funding from USAID with the aim of promoting democracy and human rights on the island.
The suspension of funds jeopardizes the continuity of these initiatives, limiting essential resources for their operation.
But the Trump administration defends the measure, arguing that it seeks to reevaluate and align foreign aid with the national interests of the United States.
The absorption of USAID by the State Department and the freeze on foreign aid represent a significant shift in the United States' international assistance policy, with possible repercussions for organizations and projects in Cuba and other regions that relied on this support.
Undoubtedly, such decisions raise concerns about the impact on non-governmental organizations and Cuban media that relied on U.S. external assistance.
Frequently asked questions about USAID's absorption by the State Department
Why did the State Department absorb USAID?
The State Department absorbed USAID as part of a restructuring of Donald Trump's government to align foreign aid with the national interests of the United States. This decision also responds to an executive order that freezes most foreign aid for 90 days, seeking to reevaluate its priorities.
What impact does USAID's involvement have in Cuba?
The absorption of USAID significantly affects Cuba, as many independent media outlets and NGOs that promote democracy and human rights on the island relied on their funding. The suspension of funds jeopardizes the continuity of these critical initiatives for Cuban civil society.
How does this measure affect U.S. foreign aid in general?
U.S. foreign aid is seriously affected, as Trump's executive order has effectively suspended almost all foreign assistance globally. This includes projects in crucial areas such as health, education, and development, creating uncertainty about the future of these programs.
What is Elon Musk's role in this new governmental structure?
Elon Musk has been appointed to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving administrative efficiency. His role includes the restructuring of federal agencies and the removal of unnecessary regulations.
Filed under:
