Following Trump's executive order freezing most foreign aid, the State Department is reportedly set to issue stop-work directives, effectively halting all but emergency food assistance. This move, according to sources familiar with the discussions, is part of a larger plan to merge USAID into the State Department, a move that raises concerns about its effectiveness and independence. Experts warn that the changes could jeopardize life-saving aid and politicize humanitarian efforts.
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
One source said the White House was exploring legal authorities that Trump could use to issue an executive order to end USAID’s independence and that he could sign such a directive as soon as Friday night or Saturday, February 1. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, citing a “rumor” that Trump planned to dissolve USAID as an independent agency, said in an X post that such a move would be “illegal and against our national interests.”
The source said that officials from the newly established Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire and Trump adviser Elon Musk were also involved in the deliberations and frequented USAID headquarters in downtown Washington this week. USAID has in the past been able to assist countries with which the United States has no diplomatic relations, including Iran. That has sometimes helped build bridges, the source said, adding that this benefit could be lost if its operations were purely tied to political objectives.If the move were to proceed, it would eliminate the Cabinet post for the USAID administrator created by former President Joe Biden.
USAID State Department Trump Foreign Aid Humanitarian Assistance America First
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Impact of Trump’s freeze order on USAID in the Philippines, worldUSAID is among the agencies affected by President Donald Trump’s order to temporarily stop US foreign assistance
Read more »
56 USAID Officials Placed on Leave Amid Trump Aide ProbeAt least 56 senior officials at the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) were placed on leave on Monday as part of an investigation into an alleged attempt to undermine President Donald Trump's orders. The officials, along with several hundred contractors, were suspended following Trump's executive order last week that imposed a 90-day freeze on most US foreign aid.
Read more »
Trump administration targets dozens of senior USAID staff after aid freezeThe Trump administration's actions threaten billions of dollars of life-saving aid from the world's largest single donor
Read more »
Trump administration memo tells USAID to put 'America First' in reviewing foreign aidLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
US State Department Calls Houthi Crew Release 'Inadequate'The US State Department welcomed the release of 25 crew members from the MV Galaxy Leader by Houthi rebels, but stressed that the ship's seizure remains a serious concern. The department called for the immediate return of the vessel and criticized the Houthis' ongoing detention of hundreds of UN, NGO, and diplomatic personnel in Yemen.
Read more »
Trump shakes up Justice Department he accused of 'weaponization'WASHINGTON, D.C. — Abrupt firings, senior officials demoted, and career employees left reeling — US President Donald Trump is taking a sledgehammer to a Justice Department he accuses of unjustly prosecuting him.
Read more »