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Trump Administration Slashes USAID Foreign Aid Contracts by Over 90%

The move targets $60 billion in savings as part of the 'America First' agenda, sparking widespread layoffs and legal challenges.

  • The Trump administration has cut 92% of USAID multi-year foreign aid contracts, eliminating $54 billion in grants as part of a broader federal spending review.
  • Thousands of USAID employees have been laid off or placed on leave, with fired staff given only 15 minutes to clear their workstations.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court's order to unfreeze $2 billion in foreign aid payments, granting the administration time to present its case.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as acting USAID director, overseeing the agency's downsizing and realignment with the administration's priorities.
  • Critics, including congressional Democrats and former USAID employees, argue the cuts will harm global humanitarian efforts and undermine U.S. soft power abroad.
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