Trump administration axes USAID aid, unsettling Latin America
The Trump administration has announced an almost complete shutdown of USAID assistance programmes, which could significantly affect Latin American countries.
President Donald Trump’s administration reported almost eliminating foreign aid programmes carried out by USAID. This decision was announced on Thursday, meaning that the State Department has taken over control of these programmes.
The statement noted that a review of USAID activities conducted under the supervision of the US Secretary of State eliminated almost 5,800 contracts valued at £44 billion, representing approximately 92% of all agreements. Additionally, it was decided to reduce 28% of American foreign subsidies, which were expected to amount to £3.6 billion.
The media in Latin America remind us that one of Trump’s first decisions upon resuming the presidency was freezing USAID programmes. This decision threatens the implementation of many key investment programmes in the region, which are crucial for the economy and the standard of living in these societies.
Implications for Latin America
In 2023, Latin America received £1.4 billion in global aid under USAID. Haiti, the poorest country in the region and affected by a civil war led by gangs, was supposed to receive £260 million this year.
The Trump administration's decision to almost wholly wind down USAID assistance programmes could have far-reaching consequences for Latin American countries, which relied on this aid to carry out key development projects.
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