- United States
- Pa.
- Letter
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid programs and the upheaval at USAID are deeply concerning actions that undermine America's humanitarian leadership and strategic interests around the world. While a review of aid programs is reasonable for any new administration, the indiscriminate halting of assistance and dismissal of personnel is causing severe disruptions with potentially disastrous consequences. For less than 1% of the federal budget, U.S. foreign assistance provides lifesaving food, medical care, and other vital support to millions of vulnerable people globally. Abruptly cutting off this aid will lead to unnecessary suffering and loss of life, particularly in crisis regions. Many aid efforts are implemented through partnerships with faith-based organizations aligned with the administration's base. Abandoning these efforts damages credibility and moral standing. Moreover, an "America First" approach that withdraws from the world reduces U.S. influence and benefits the aims of strategic rivals like China. Foreign aid builds goodwill, assists allies and partners, prevents conflicts that require costlier military intervention, and bolsters national security interests. Dismantling USAID's expertise and capabilities is extraordinarily short-sighted. The American people and the international community expect the United States to uphold its humanitarian commitments and values. I urge you to reconsider this reckless path, restore funding and staffing for foreign aid programs, and pursue a pragmatic review that prioritizes human rights and U.S. leadership on the global stage.