I've been writing a textbook (or seven) this last year... this has led me to do lots of reading, and one of the chapters makes reference to the work of USAID.... but all that now changed.
USAID was closed down by the Department of Government Efficiency headed by someone who was not elected into such an important role, and would in no way be personally affected by any decision that they would make. However, there are thousands of people who will be very much affected by this decision... and not in a good way... there is apparently a 90 day freeze on USAID work but we shall see what happens after that.
Soft power is no longer something they are interested in it seems.
This has potential dramatic consequences for the tens of thousands who are supported by projects previously funded by USAID.
In the week or so since, there have been lots of stories of the additional cruelty of the decision (with aid and medicines remaining undistributed even though they may become unusable if they are not used promptly), and some of the side effects of withdrawing help with no warning, or safety net in place.
Gordon Brown wrote about the decision last week.
There are concerns about misinformation and other related issues.
There have been attempts to stop the loss of staff.
There are apparently around £500 million worth of aid in danger of spoiling.
This is one of the more egregious acts of the new administration.... so far... and is NOAA also in the firing line... diversity is definitely under attack.
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