Trump’s effort to dismantle USAID contrasts sharply with Melania and Ivanka’s past support, raising questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid.
Key Insights
- Donald Trump is attempting to shut down USAID, despite previous support from Melania and Ivanka.
- Melania Trump praised USAID during a 2018 tour of Africa, highlighting its successful programs.
- Ivanka Trump led the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” Initiative, a USAID-backed program.
- Trump criticizes USAID for “waste and abuse,” citing specific projects he deems frivolous.
- The campaign to dismantle USAID represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy.
Trump’s Shifting Stance on USAID
President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mark a significant departure from his administration’s earlier stance. This shift aligns with his “America First” policy and aims to reduce government spending. Trump has labeled USAID a “tremendous fraud,” accusing the agency of waste and abuse.
Trump’s criticism extends to specific USAID projects, such as grants to an LGBTQ group in Serbia and funding for electric vehicles in Vietnam, which he deems frivolous. His administration has moved to undermine USAID investments and diversity-related initiatives, placing most USAID employees on administrative leave, except for core leadership and mission-critical staff.
Melania Trump’s Endorsement of USAID
In stark contrast to her husband’s current position, First Lady Melania Trump publicly endorsed USAID during her 2018 solo tour of Africa. She visited various educational and development sites, speaking favorably of USAID’s initiatives and their role in providing educational resources and economic enhancement.
“We care, and we want to show the world that we care, and I’ve partnered and am working with USAID.” – Melania Trump
Melania’s “BeBest” initiative collaborated with a USAID literacy program in Malawi, further demonstrating her support for the agency’s work. She emphasized the importance of American investments abroad for building stronger societies, a stance that directly contradicts her husband’s current efforts to dismantle USAID.
Ivanka Trump’s Focus on Women’s Empowerment
Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and advisor, also played a significant role in promoting USAID’s work. She led the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” Initiative, a USAID-backed program aimed at empowering women in developing countries. This initiative underscored the Trump administration’s earlier commitment to international development, particularly in the realm of gender equality.
“We know there’s a correlation between gender inequality and conflict, there’s tremendous amounts of research. There’s a reason today, the president signed WGDP as a national security presidential memorandum, It is in our domestic security interests to empower women.” – Ivanka Trump
Ivanka visited Africa in 2018, supporting female entrepreneurs through USAID-backed projects. Her work emphasized the link between gender inequality and national security, presenting a nuanced view of international aid that contrasts with her father’s current stance.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
The stark contrast between Donald Trump’s current actions and the past support from Melania and Ivanka raises significant questions about the long-term effects on U.S. foreign relations and the legacy of USAID initiatives. This shift represents a major change in U.S. foreign aid policy, with uncertain implications for America’s global engagement.
As the debate over USAID’s future continues, it’s clear that the agency’s fate will have far-reaching consequences for U.S. soft power and international development efforts. The outcome of this policy shift could reshape America’s role on the global stage for years to come.
Sources:
- Trump’s Efforts To Dismantle USAID: A Controversial Shift After Support From Melania And Ivanka
- Trump calls USAID a ‘tremendous fraud.’ His wife and daughter promoted its work
