Marco Rubio Announces Termination of Over 80% of USAID Programmes, Citing ‘America First’ Policy

The vast majority of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programmes have been terminated following a sweeping six-week review, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced. 

In a post on X, Rubio stated that the initiatives had “spent tens of billions in ways that did not serve” or even harmed US interests. He confirmed that only 18% of USAID’s operations would remain, now under the control of the State Department. 

The decision has sparked widespread criticism from humanitarian organisations, which warn that the abrupt cancellation of USAID’s long-running programmes could endanger lives worldwide. 

The move aligns with the Trump administration’s renewed push to reshape foreign spending in accordance with its “America First” policy. Shortly after Donald Trump returned to the White House on 20 January, thousands of USAID employees were placed on leave, overseas staff were recalled, and all foreign assistance funding was frozen by executive order. The administration tasked Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) with leading a comprehensive review of USAID’s global work. 

The review ultimately led to the cancellation of approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 programmes. “In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programmes we are keeping… to be administered more effectively under the State Department,” Rubio stated. He also expressed gratitude to Doge and State Department officials “who worked very long hours to achieve this overdue and historic reform.” 

The decision has provoked legal challenges from Democrats and humanitarian organisations, who argue that USAID’s programmes—funded by Congress—cannot be unilaterally dismantled. 

The shutdown is already having significant global repercussions. In Sudan, more than 1,100 communal kitchens have closed due to frozen humanitarian aid, affecting nearly two million people left destitute by civil war.

In Oman, dozens of Afghan women who had fled the Taliban to pursue higher education now face deportation after their USAID-funded scholarships were revoked. Meanwhile, India’s first medical clinic for transgender individuals was forced to shut down operations in three cities after President Trump halted foreign aid to the programme. 

As the administration moves forward with its overhaul, concerns remain over the long-term humanitarian impact of the decision.

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