2:18 pm - February 12, 2025
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has long been a cornerstone of American foreign policy and global humanitarian efforts. Established in 1961, USAID has played a critical role in providing humanitarian assistance, promoting economic development, and advancing U.S. interests around the world. From disaster relief to long-term development projects, USAID has been instrumental in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing developing nations. However, recent decisions have raised concerns about the future of this vital agency and its ability to continue its mission effectively. One such decision, made during the Trump administration, has put a significant portion of USAID staff on leave, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and alarm.
Matthew Bartlett, a former Trump appointee to the State Department, has spoken out about the potential consequences of this decision. In an interview with Christiane Amanpour, Bartlett expressed his deep concerns about the impact of furloughing USAID staff, describing the decision as “deadly.” Bartlett emphasized that the reduction in staffing would not only harm the ability of USAID to carry out its critical work but also undermine U.S. influence on the global stage. He argued that the decision would have far-reaching repercussions, affecting not only the people who rely on USAID’s assistance but also the broader geopolitical landscape. Bartlett’s comments highlight the importance of USAID’s role in advancing American interests and promoting stability around the world.
The decision to furlough USAID staff is part of a broader trend of scaling back U.S. involvement in international affairs. During his presidency, Donald Trump repeatedly expressed skepticism about the value of foreign aid and the role of international institutions. His administration pursued a strategy of “America First,” which often translated into a reduction in U.S. commitments to global development and humanitarian efforts. While the Trump administration argued that these cuts were necessary to prioritize domestic needs and ensure that U.S. taxpayer money was being used effectively, critics like Bartlett contend that such decisions have had devastating consequences for vulnerable populations and for U.S. standing in the world.
One of the most immediate impacts of the USAID furloughs has been the disruption of critical humanitarian programs. USAID is responsible for delivering aid to millions of people around the world, including those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. By reducing the agency’s staffing levels, the ability to respond to these emergencies has been severely compromised. Bartlett pointed out that the decision to furlough staff has left many countries without the support they need to address pressing challenges, from providing food and shelter to combating diseases like COVID-19. He warned that the failure to maintain robust humanitarian programs would not only lead to unnecessary suffering but also create opportunities for other countries to fill the void left by the United States, undermining American influence in key regions.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian consequences, the reduction in USAID staffing has also raised concerns about the long-term impact on U.S. foreign policy goals. Bartlett argued that the decision would weaken the United States’ ability to promote democracy, stability, and economic development in developing nations. USAID has long been a key tool for advancing these objectives, working closely with local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to build sustainable solutions to complex problems. By scaling back USAID’s operations, the United States risks ceding ground to other powers, such as China, which has been increasingly active in international development efforts. Bartlett warned that this shift could have far-reaching implications for global stability and for the ability of the United States to shape the international agenda.
The decision to furlough USAID staff has also drawn criticism for its potential impact on the agency’s career professionals, who have dedicated their lives to advancing U.S. interests and improving the lives of people around the world. Bartlett, who served in the State Department during the Trump administration, expressed his respect for the hard work and dedication of USAID’s staff. He emphasized that the decision to reduce staffing levels was not a reflection on the quality or commitment of these professionals but rather a result of policy choices that prioritize short-term political goals over long-term strategic interests. Bartlett’s comments highlight the importance of valuing and supporting the career professionals who are the backbone of U.S. foreign policy efforts.
In conclusion, the decision to furlough USAID staff has significant implications for the ability of the United States to advance its interests and promote stability around the world. As Matthew Bartlett has pointed out, the reduction in staffing levels will have a “deadly” impact on vulnerable populations and on U.S. influence on the global stage. The decision reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritizes a narrow “America First” agenda over a more expansive view of U.S. leadership and responsibility in the world. As the United States continues to grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, the role of USAID and the importance of maintaining robust humanitarian and development programs will remain a critical issue for policymakers and the American people alike.