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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced that he has delegated Russ Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget, the task of overseeing the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which is currently in the process of liquidation.
"I jokingly told the president that I had four jobs. He told me to pass one to my friend Russ Vought. So I did," Rubio wrote on the social network X.
"Since January, we have saved taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. With a small set of programs moved to the Department of State, USAID is officially in shutdown mode. Russ is now leading this process," he stated.
The decision is part of the administration's policy to reduce what they describe as “fraud, waste, and abuse” in government spending.
Rubio emphasized that, for the first time in 50 years, the president exercised his authority under the Impoundment Control Act to implement a "pocket veto," canceling $5 billion in foreign aid and international organizations.
Among the programs that were eliminated are $2.7 million for projects focused on "inclusive democracy" in South Africa, $4 million for "global LGBTQI+ awareness," and funding for the "Global Labor Program."
According to Rubio, these do not align with national interests and represent a deviation from the priority of "putting the United States and Americans first."
With this delegation, Russ Vought will be responsible for the administrative closure of an agency that, according to Rubio, “has long been out of control” and has ceased to fulfill its original mission of promoting development as a tool of foreign policy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Closure of USAID and Its Impact
Why is USAID closing down?
USAID is being closed as part of a policy to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in government spending. Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, has indicated that the agency has deviated from its original mission and has failed to meet its fundamental objectives for decades, leading to inefficient public resource spending.
What will happen to the programs that USAID was managing?
Some essential USAID programs will be transferred to the State Department. This is part of a transition to improve the efficiency and strategic impact of foreign assistance. However, an announcement has been made regarding the cancellation of 83% of the agency's programs, affecting thousands of contracts and employees.
How will the closure of USAID affect independent media in Cuba?
The closure of USAID has negatively impacted independent media in Cuba that relied on its grants. These outlets, such as Diario de Cuba and Cubanet, have been forced to seek alternative financial support to continue operating in the face of the Cuban regime. The suspension of funding has hindered their ability to maintain journalistic work and monitor human rights.
What are the criticisms regarding the closure of USAID?
Criticism of the closure of USAID focuses on the potential loss of U.S. influence abroad and the negative impact on vulnerable populations. The decision has been perceived as a weakening of humanitarian aid and support for human rights in various regions. Additionally, there are concerns that this action may favor autocratic regimes and diminish support for independent media.
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