Hundreds Of US Diplomats Decry USAID Shutdown, Warn Of Weakened US Global Influence
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC– Hundreds of U.S. diplomats have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, opposing the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). They warn that eliminating the agency would weaken U.S. global leadership, threaten national security, and create opportunities for China and Russia to expand their influence.
The letter, expected to be submitted through the State Department’s internal “dissent channel,” also criticizes the Trump administration’s January 20 freeze on nearly all foreign aid. Diplomats argue that the move puts American personnel overseas at risk and endangers millions who rely on U.S. assistance. More than 700 officials have signed the letter, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters.
“The decision to freeze and terminate foreign aid contracts and assistance awards without meaningful review jeopardizes U.S. partnerships, erodes trust, and creates openings for adversaries,” the letter states.
Trump, led by the actions of Elon Musk has paused all foreign aid for 90 days, citing a need to curb wasteful spending. However, the freeze has disrupted global humanitarian efforts, delaying food and medical aid deliveries, Reuters noted.
Contracts, nearly 5,800—worth $54 billion—have been cut. Thousands of USAID staff and contractors have been fired or placed on administrative leave.
“Foreign aid is not charity,” the letter emphasizes. “It is a strategic tool that stabilizes regions, prevents conflict, and advances U.S. interests.”
“This undermines trust in the U.S. government as a reliable partner and weakens domestic economic growth at a time of mounting global competition,” the letter states.
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Jagjit Singh, CA
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The Supreme Court recently rejected a request by the Trump administration to continue withholding nearly $2 billion in foreign aid for work completed by USAID. This ruling, a setback for the former president, saw Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett join the liberal justices in the majority. While the decision was a win for those seeking to unfreeze the funds, the court did not specify when the money must be released, allowing the Trump administration to continue its dispute in lower courts.
The case, brought by the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) and other groups, highlights the dangers of undermining critical global health programs. As attorney Nicolas Sansone stated, the administration’s decision to slash foreign aid was an abuse of executive power, particularly given the harm it caused to HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. Mitchell Warren, executive director of AVAC, condemned the administration’s actions, calling them a “willful disregard of science” that puts lives at risk.
With essential projects halted and funding frozen, millions of people are left without vital services, including HIV treatment and prevention programs. The consequences of this decision could be catastrophic, leading to unnecessary deaths and suffering worldwide. It is crucial that the government complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling and restores the funding, ensuring that foreign aid continues to save lives and promote global health
Jagjit Singh, CA
March 7, 2025