Trump Admin Cuts Red Tape and Saves Taxpayer Money [WATCH]

The State Department officially announced on Friday that it is shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), marking a potential end to the long-struggling foreign aid agency.

BREAKING: U.S. State Department has notified Congress that they are officially shutting down USAID, per ABC News.

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) March 28, 2025

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In a memo sent to USAID employees, Jeremy Lewin, the agency’s new deputy director, informed staff that the State Department would assume responsibility for much of USAID’s functions and ongoing programming.

Lewin, a former official at the Department of Government Efficiency, stated that the move would involve retiring USAID’s independent operations and reassessing whether any current employees would be rehired to manage what remains of the agency’s strategic and life-saving aid programs.

“This transfer will significantly enhance efficiency, accountability, uniformity, and strategic impact in delivering foreign assistance programs — allowing our nation and President to speak with one voice in foreign affairs,” Lewin wrote in the memo.

“It will also obviate the need for USAID to continue operating as an independent establishment.”

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As part of the restructuring, the memo noted that all non-statutory positions at USAID would be eliminated.

#BREAKING: The U.S. State Department has announced they are CLOSING USAID, and told practically all remaining staffers they are FIRED

“All non-statutory positions at USAID will be eliminated.”

Rubio, Musk, and Trump were able to accomplish this by merging USAID with State… pic.twitter.com/n0e4awlZ7r

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 28, 2025

The decision to dismantle the agency follows a broader initiative, led by figures such as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already reduced the agency’s staff significantly, eliminated funding for more than 80% of its programs, and even closed its Washington, D.C., headquarters.

This move is expected to generate significant legal challenges, with experts suggesting that dissolving a federal agency in such a manner would typically require approval from Congress.

The decision is likely to face scrutiny as the legal process moves forward.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement regarding the decision, indicated that foreign aid would now be managed directly by the State Department. “Thanks to President Trump, this misguided and fiscally irresponsible era is now over,” Rubio said.

“We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens.”

Rubio also assured the public that essential life-saving programs would continue, emphasizing that the new structure would prioritize strategic investments that benefit both U.S. interests and the country’s partners.

“We are continuing essential lifesaving programs and making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country,” he added.

Foreign assistance done right can advance our national interests, protect our borders, and strengthen our partnerships with key allies. Unfortunately, USAID strayed from its original mission long ago. As a result, the gains were too few and the costs were too high.

Thanks to…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 28, 2025

The decision to end USAID has drawn sharp criticism from some corners, with opponents claiming that it could weaken America’s influence abroad and harm vulnerable populations that rely on U.S. assistance for healthcare, food, and other critical needs.

Critics argue that the elimination of USAID would reduce the United States’ ability to provide aid to struggling nations and could have negative humanitarian consequences.

In addition to the State Department’s efforts, USAID leadership and officials from the State Department have notified Congress of their intent to reorganize the agency’s functions by July 1 of this year.

The move is part of the broader effort to streamline foreign assistance programs under the State Department’s leadership.

Despite the support from some in the Trump administration, the push to eliminate USAID and drastically reduce its staff is facing opposition through multiple court challenges.

As the legal battles unfold, the future of U.S. foreign aid and the structure of American diplomacy will continue to be a topic of intense debate.

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