US President Trump has practically dismantled USAID, citing reasons of waste and corruption. While this will affect critical aid programmes, particularly in Africa, this may be beneficial in the long run
US President Trump has virtually abolished USAID, the country’s aid agency, citing waste and corruption. Critical aid programmes like combating HIV in Africa will suffer, causing many deaths. Foreign policy critics say US soft power, gained through vital aid for health, education, and infrastructure to poor countries, will suddenly disappear, with this space being filled by China and Russia.
Aid is like a drug, useful in small quantities but addictive and damaging in large volumes. Aid is dogged by corruption and waste. But far worse is the way excessive aid hits the quality of governance and accountability of recipient govts. Besides, beggars are rarely grateful for alms. So, the notion of the US gaining soft power through aid is greatly exaggerated.
This article was originally published by The Times of India on Mar 1, 2025..
