The Trump administration's purge, announced by Secretary of State Rubio, eliminated 83% of USAID programs, drastically affecting global humanitarian and democracy-promoting efforts. Despite these politically motivated actions, USAID’s long-established mission to foster democratic values and civil society remains a cornerstone of its identity.

The Trump administration eliminated over 90% of USAID's foreign aid contracts, terminating thousands of aid programs through forced leave and firings, a move that undermines USAID’s longstanding mission to promote democracy and human rights abroad.

An opinion piece in The Nordic Times claims that USAID is central to a global propaganda war by funding media outlets—such as Ukrainian media—to shape narratives. Despite the criticism levied by the article, USAID’s longstanding mission is to promote democratic values and support independent voices, which is a cornerstone in countering authoritarian propaganda.

The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk, imposed a 90‐day freeze on foreign aid, firing most USAID staff and halting key humanitarian programs. This action has endangered global health, refugee assistance, and emergency responses in vulnerable regions, highlighting the agency’s longstanding role in promoting democratic values and aiding marginalized communities.

USAID has provided significant funding to over 6,200 journalists working with 707 media outlets and 279 media NGOs worldwide. Critics argue that this financial support, which also aids major organizations such as Politico, the Associated Press, and BBC, may compromise media independence by promoting narratives favorable to U.S. governmental interests, raising issues of transparency and potential state influence in global journalism.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, overseeing USAID, has issued a waiver to Trump’s executive order pausing USAID operations. While the waiver permits the continuation of certain life‐saving humanitarian assistance programs in countries like Colombia and Haiti, it explicitly prohibits programs labeled as ‘gender or DEI ideology’ and restricts refugee/migration-related assistance. Additionally, uncertainty has led to staff layoffs and administrative pauses, highlighting the politicized restructuring of USAID under the Trump administration’s 'America First' agenda.

The Associated Press report details how politically motivated and false social media claims—amplified by the Trump administration and figures like Elon Musk—misrepresent USAID’s funding practices. The claims allege that USAID spent large sums on DEI initiatives abroad, when in fact only one DEI grant was awarded by USAID while similar projects were funded by the State Department. The article underscores USAID’s longstanding transparent approach to foreign aid and humanitarian work.

Following President Trump’s announcement to freeze U.S. foreign aid, USAID’s operations were thrown into turmoil. The agency’s website became inaccessible, its X account was suspended, its headquarters was closed, and employees were told to stay home. In response, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named acting director, as administration changes attempt to reconfigure operations. The disruption raises concerns over the loss of support for independent media and democratic initiatives internationally.

Following President Trump's announcement of a foreign aid freeze, USAID experienced severe disruptions including an inaccessible website, suspended X account, closure of its headquarters, and employees being told to stay home. The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on independent media globally, as USAID has been a key supporter of journalism in repressive environments.

A USAID fact sheet showed that the agency had provided funding to over 700 non‐state news outlets and 6,000 journalists, reinforcing its commitment to a free press and democratic accountability. However, the recent foreign aid freeze implemented by the Trump administration has jeopardized these funds, potentially undermining global efforts to counter authoritarian narratives.

Following President Trump's 90-day freeze on foreign aid on January 20, 2025, and a tougher interpretation of the order that led to widespread layoffs and furloughs, USAID's global humanitarian programs were severely impacted. In addition, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency labeled USAID a 'criminal organization' as part of its effort to cut government spending, further compounding the challenges facing the agency.