US Diplomats Protest USAID Dismantling and Foreign Aid Cuts
Diplomats Express Dissent Over Foreign Aid Freeze
Hundreds of US diplomats from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have raised concerns about the Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid, warning that it undermines national security, US leadership, and global stability. The protest, conveyed in a "dissent cable" to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlights the adverse effects of the aid freeze on key international partnerships and the risk of adversaries like China and Russia filling the power vacuum.
Impact on US Alliances and Global Assistance
The diplomats' cable, which saw over 700 signatories, claims that the freeze on nearly all foreign aid ordered by President Trump in January 2025 jeopardizes US alliances, erodes trust, and creates openings for adversaries to expand influence. The decision has disrupted the delivery of life-saving food, medical aid, and humanitarian support, leading to immense suffering worldwide.
Dismantling USAID: A Strategic Shift
The letter also criticizes the administration's decision to dismantle USAID under the guidance of billionaire adviser Elon Musk, part of a broader push to shrink the federal government. The diplomats argue that foreign assistance is a strategic tool for stabilizing regions, preventing conflicts, and advancing US interests, not just charity.
Financial Strain and Repercussions for Global Relations
The diplomats also pointed out the severe economic impact of halting foreign aid programs, citing the failure to pay contractors for past work, which weakens US credibility as a reliable partner and hampers global economic growth amid growing international competition.
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