In a shocking turn of events, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially ceased operations after more than six decades of providing critical humanitarian aid worldwide. This unprecedented move, initiated by former President Donald Trump, marks a seismic shift in America’s foreign assistance strategy, now deemed “limited and targeted,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Founded under President John F. Kennedy in 1961, USAID was instrumental in funding international development and disaster relief, accounting for over 40% of global humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. In 2023 alone, the agency dispersed nearly $43 billion to vulnerable populations across the globe. The abrupt shutdown has left thousands of staff and contractors jobless, raising urgent questions about the future of humanitarian support for the world’s most desperate communities.

Critics are sounding alarms, emphasizing that the dismantling of USAID not only strips away vital resources but also undermines America’s standing as a global force for good. Former USAID chief economist Dean Carlin expressed disbelief at the loss of the world’s largest humanitarian aid program, highlighting the disconnect between the agency’s work and public perception. Many Americans were unaware of the agency’s true impact, leading to its vulnerability in the political arena.

As functions are transferred to the State Department, concerns grow over the potential politicization of aid and the loss of expertise that defined USAID’s mission. The future of effective humanitarian assistance hangs in the balance, prompting urgent calls for accountability and strategic oversight in a landscape that has suddenly shifted from broad support to a narrowly focused approach. The world watches as the implications of this drastic change unfold, questioning how the U.S. will respond to crises that demand compassion and action.