OPINION (SACRAMENTO OBSERVER) – In the annals of American governance, agency functions often undergo a transformation that strays from their original mandate. USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development), established during the Cold War, initialed its mission with clear intentions: to advance U.S. foreign policy and create a bulwark against the spread of communism. Over time, however, it appears that the agency has deviated from this objective, making a compelling case for its closure, as President Donald Trump suggests.
Let’s first examine the rationale behind USAID’s founding. The agency was conceived as a means to project American influence globally, reinforcing allies and countering adversarial ideologies. Yet, as several commentators have noted, USAID has increasingly morphed into what can only be described as a vessel for social agendas that are often contrary to American interests. It has funded initiatives that range from LGBTQ advocacy in Africa to artistic performances far removed from the essential work of development aid. Such misallocation of resources should not only rile conservatives but all taxpayers who expect their contributions to be directed toward meaningful objectives.
The notion that some funds have been funneled towards leftist NGOs, many of which operate domestically and internationally, merits scrutiny. The sums expended on projects that do little to enhance U.S. foreign policy or foster goodwill among nations — like a theatrical production in Ireland or a comic book in Peru — reflect an agency that has lost its compass. When USAID’s budget, which can amount to nearly $50 billion, caters more to ideological pursuits than to substantive support for economic growth or poverty alleviation, it indicates a flawed framework and casts doubt on the efficacy of its administrative apparatus.