“As it is noted, the new “specialized” body will be embedded in the structure of the State Department, and its mandate will be limited by humanitarian aid”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
The proposal, which was introduced by Reuters, appeared during the unprecedented efforts of President Donald Trump and billionaire Ilona Mask to reduce the federal government, who, according to them, abuses taxpayers’ money for targets that do not contribute to the interests of the United States.
On the first day of his post, Trump ordered to suspend a 90-day pause in all US external assistance. Subsequently, the USAID agency was largely liquidated, much of its employees were sent on vacation or released, and more than 80% of the programs ceased to exist.
The note states that the current US external assistance structure is too wide, too expensive and has not been able to reduce the dependence of some countries on US assistance. Financing should be distributed with a narrower, strategic focus.
“This project offers a rethinking structure of US International Assistance and a set of operating principles that promise measured return for America, while at the same time promoting American” soft power “, strengthening our national security and opposing global competitors, global competitors, including China.”
According to a source familiar with the document, the internal memorandum will be sent for consideration by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. For the first time, Politico reported about the service note.
Although it was not clear how this proposal would be accepted, it is one of the most detailed studies of how the Trump administration intends to transform USAID, an organization founded in 1961 by President-Democrat John F. Kennedy.
The proposal provides for the elimination of almost two dozen USAID Bureau and renaming the Agency to the United States Agency for International Humanitarian Aid.
The new “specialized” body will be built into the structure of the State Department, and its mandate will be limited by humanitarian aid, response to natural disasters, global health care and food safety.
It is also proposed that any “politically oriented programs”, such as promotion of democracy, freedom of religion and expansion of women’s rights and opportunities, be transferred to the State Department for direct management.