- United States
- Iowa
- Letter
The Trump administration's moves to freeze and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are deeply concerning. USAID plays a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance, fighting hunger and disease, and promoting education and development around the world. Cutting off this aid not only threatens to undermine decades of progress, but also cedes influence to countries like China that are expanding their own foreign aid programs. The freeze has already had devastating impacts, forcing the suspension of critical programs that provide nutrition to malnourished children, HIV treatment, and support for migrants and refugees. Thousands of aid workers have been laid off, and the full ramifications of these actions are still unfolding. Beyond the humanitarian toll, gutting USAID weakens America's global leadership and influence at a time when that soft power is more important than ever. I urge you to use your authority to protect USAID's funding and operations. Preserving this agency is not only the moral course of action, but it is vital for promoting stability, countering the influence of rival powers, and upholding American values and interests abroad. A robust USAID is an essential tool for sustainable development and poverty alleviation - goals that make the world more secure and prosperous for all.