When Donald Trump sets his sights on dismantling something, he rarely does so quietly. His latest target? The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—an organisation his own wife, Melania, and daughter, Ivanka, once enthusiastically championed. Trump now calls USAID a “tremendous fraud” and a symbol of “waste and abuse.” The irony, of course, is staggering.
This isn’t just another budget cut—it’s a full-scale assault on America’s global influence, humanitarian commitments, and even his own family’s legacy. So, is this really about stopping corruption, or is Trump just tearing down institutions for the sake of it?
Melania and Ivanka’s Past Praise: A Forgotten Legacy?
Not too long ago, Melania Trump was personally handing out school supplies as part of her “Be Best” initiative, proudly standing alongside USAID projects. During her 2018 Africa tour, she called their work “successful” and a sign that “we care.” Similarly, Ivanka Trump led a $50-million USAID-backed initiative for women’s empowerment, declaring it a key part of U.S. national security interests.
Fast forward to 2025, and Trump is now trying to erase the very agency his family once celebrated. It begs the question: was their support genuine, or was it just another PR stunt?
Trump’s War on Foreign Aid: Misguided or Malicious?
Trump’s argument for shutting down USAID boils down to money and ideology. He claims the agency is riddled with corruption and funds “ridiculous projects” like LGBTQ grants in Serbia and electric vehicles in Vietnam. His administration halted all foreign assistance within hours of taking office in January, placing over 2,000 USAID employees on paid leave—only to have a judge block the move.
But here’s the reality: USAID is responsible for crucial humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and diplomatic ties that extend America’s influence beyond military intervention. Cutting it down doesn’t just hurt developing nations—it weakens U.S. power on the global stage.
A Dangerous Precedent: What Comes Next?
If Trump successfully dismantles USAID, what’s next? His administration is already eyeing deep cuts to State Department programs and international cooperation initiatives. This is more than just an “America First” agenda—it’s an America alone strategy.
While Trump promises to eliminate “waste,” he seems perfectly fine with bloated military spending and corporate tax cuts that add trillions to the deficit. The real message here isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s an ideological crusade against anything that promotes global cooperation.
Conclusion: Destruction for the Sake of It?
Trump’s move to dismantle USAID reeks of hypocrisy, given his family’s past endorsements. It also signals a dangerous shift away from global engagement, replacing diplomacy with isolationism.
Whether USAID survives Trump’s second term remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: his approach to governance isn’t about fixing institutions—it’s about breaking them. And in the process, America’s global standing may take yet another hit.