The Future of USAID and Uncertainty Under the New Trump Administration
The future of USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) is uncertain under the new Trump administration. The agency has come under heavy criticism, with President Donald Trump accusing it of promoting radical leftist propaganda. His administration has reduced the agency's staff from 10,000 to 290.
USAID's Political Intervention
Since its founding in 1961, USAID has worked to promote democracy, economic development, and human rights. However, its actions in post-Soviet countries have often been met with accusations of political interference.
Elon Musk's Criticism of USAID
Elon Musk has openly called USAID a criminal organization and alleged that it operates outside its stated mission. However, legal challenges have prevented the full liquidation of USAID, and US federal judges have questioned the administration's authority to completely shut down its activities.
USAID's Activities and Impact in the Post-Soviet Space
Over the past three decades, USAID has channeled billions of dollars to promote democracy, media development, and civil society initiatives in the post-Soviet space. However, many governments in the region have accused the agency of using its financial assistance as a tool for political influence.
Assistance in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia
USAID's funding allocations in the region have varied widely. According to Anewz Television, USAID has allocated a total of $450 million in media support to Azerbaijan. This support has focused on NGOs and economic reforms.
Georgia has received $1.8 billion, which has covered democratic reforms, the judiciary, and energy security.
Armenia received $3.3 billion, mostly for humanitarian assistance and civil society development.
Ukraine and Moldova: Aid Increases
Ukraine received more than $3 billion through 2022, with an additional $16.6 billion in 2023. This increase was largely driven by the escalating war with Russia.
In Moldova, $2.6 billion was allocated, primarily for electoral reform and European integration efforts.
Tensions and Government Responses
However, USAID’s activities have caused tensions with host governments. Several countries have either expelled the agency or severely restricted its activities.
In 2012, Russia accused USAID of funding opposition groups and interfering in domestic politics.
Belarus expelled the agency in 2003, accusing it of funding opposition protests.
Uzbekistan was forced to abandon USAID after being accused of destabilizing the Andijan events.
In Turkmenistan, USAID’s presence has been limited due to government control.
USAID’s Involvement in Political Transitions
USAID’s involvement in political transitions has been widely discussed. For example, USAID provided significant funding for the 2014 Maidan protests in Ukraine, which resulted in the establishment of a pro-Western government.
In Georgia, USAID-supported NGOs played a key role in the 2003 Rose Revolution.
In Armenia, there are allegations that USAID-funded organizations helped Pashinyan come to power in 2018.
USAID Expansion and Trump’s Future
USAID has experienced unprecedented expansion under President Joe Biden, with its budget reaching a historic high of $74 billion in 2022.
With Trump's return to power, the future of USAID is in question. The agency will either be abolished entirely or its operations will be radically restructured.
Donald Trump
USAID Activities in Azerbaijan
Official Baku has sent a notice to the US to suspend USAID's activities in Azerbaijan.
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