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First on Fox at Fox: According to an internal USAID memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the Department of State has overturned the remaining operations and the Programs of the United States International Development Agency (USAID) as an independent institution.
While USAID has historically served as an independent body working to provide assistance to poor countries and development aid, President Donald Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February to serve as the organisation’s representative manager amid concerns that USAID did not promote core US interests.
The State Department is now poised to officially undertake the USAID program as part of a merger aimed at streamlining operations to provide foreign aid, the memo said. It also cuts down thousands of USAID employees.
“By submitting the USAID core and strategic aid program, which is under the State Department’s umbrella, this administration will significantly improve the efficiency, accountability, uniformity and strategic impact of the foreign aid program, ensuring that our country and the President speak in one voice in diplomacy.”
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The American flag and USAID flag fly outside the USAID building in Washington, DC, USA on February 1, 2025 (Annabelle Gordon/Reuters)
As a result, the State Department is moving to “retire” USAID as an independent operation, and according to the memo, it is moving forward with plans to reduce power. More than 4,650 USAID officials will be cut from USAID, according to senior State Department officials. Officials will begin receiving notifications on Friday regarding their status in USAID either on July 1 or September 2nd.
For these three months, the Department of State will take responsibility for USAID programming and evaluate staffing requirements to advance the independent employment process. Eligible USAID employees may apply for these positions as remaining USAID personnel move to the State Department or move to relocate their USAID operations.
“Another process will be established for hiring personnel to roles available at the State Department,” the USAID memo said. “The details are still finalized, but as soon as it becomes more likely, we are committed to sharing additional information in April or May.”
The announcement comes as the Trump administration moves USAID to Shutter USAID amid widespread government cuts stemming from government efficiency (DOGE) led by SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
USAID is being scrutinized amid cuts of wasteful spending that was not in line with the Trump administration, including funding a $1.5 million program aimed at diversity, equity to the Serbian workplace and business community, and funding a $1.5 million program aimed at a $70,000 program for Ireland’s “day musicals.”
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on March 11 that the majority of the USAID program will be cancelled. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/Reuters)
Rubio said on March 11 that the State Department will close its six-week review and cancel more than 80% of the USAID program. This leads to the elimination of approximately 5,200 programs out of USAID’s 6,200 programs.
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“Foreign aid can be delivered correctly, and can promote national interests, protect borders and strengthen partnerships with key allies,” Rubio said in a statement in Fox News Digital Friday. “Unfortunately, USAID was lost a long time ago from its original mission. As a result, the profits were too small and the costs were too high.”
“We are reorienting our foreign aid programs to work directly with what’s best suited to the US and our citizens,” Rubio said. “We are continuing our essential lifesaving programmes and making strategic investments to strengthen our partners and our country.”
Diana Stancy is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, covering the White House.
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