This is reported by Main Post, citing Correspondent.
On January 24, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended funding for most USAID programs, and on February 3, plans for its elimination were revealed. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, stated that the agency "is not subject to restoration," accusing it of massive waste.
In light of these events, the Washington headquarters was shut down, employees were put on leave, and budget lines were frozen. According to Congress, USAID allocated billions of dollars annually for aid, including $43.8 billion in 2023.
The closure of USAID would deal a serious blow to Ukraine: the agency supported reforms, independent media, and healthcare. Since 1992, Ukraine has received several billion dollars from it, including $2.6 billion for humanitarian needs following the outbreak of war.
Advisor to the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized that the agency's closure would create a vacuum of influence to be filled by other countries, such as China or Russia.
Nevertheless, Secretary Rubio stated that the Trump administration is considering not only the elimination but also the reform of USAID to preserve important programs as part of U.S. foreign policy.
The question remains open, but experts warn that the closure of the agency will weaken the U.S. position on the global stage and leave many countries without assistance.
Additionally, let’s recall how Zelensky responded to Tucker Carlson regarding accusations of dictatorship.