Trump administration cuts 90% of USAID contracts, eliminating $60 billion in foreign aid

The Trump administration has moved to cut more than 90% of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts, marking a drastic reduction in US development and humanitarian assistance around the world.

The administration confirmed the elimination of $60 billion in overall US aid, including a staggering $54 billion in USAID contracts.

The cuts will impact thousands of US-funded programs, including efforts credited with combating global health crises like Ebola and HIV/AIDS in Africa.

USAID officials, who have faced massive terminations under the new policy, are now engaged in ongoing court battles to challenge the swift decision. The administration has been accused of bypassing congressional approval and judicial review, with some critics claiming the cuts were politically motivated, aiming to dismantle programs seen as supporting a liberal agenda.

"Many more terminations are coming," said one USAID official, referring to the wave of contract cancellations.

Critics argue that this accelerated process leaves little time for meaningful review of the impacts of these cuts.

The cancellations also extend to 4,100 State Department grants, amounting to a further $4.4 billion in cuts.

The cuts come as the administration attempts to comply with a federal court order to lift the freeze on foreign aid funding.

However, the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the ruling, providing the administration with additional time to respond.

This drastic shift in foreign policy marks a significant pivot from long-standing US practices aimed at using foreign aid to foster alliances, improve stability, and support global health.