Ex-USAID official cautions about global crises if agency disbanded, risking Increased conflict, pandemics, and poverty

In recent weeks, former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have criticized the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), alleging widespread fraud and waste, Anadolu Agency reported in an article on Friday. Their actions have led to a significant pause in billions of dollars of foreign assistance, causing turmoil within the international humanitarian community.

The freeze on aid has jeopardized the jobs of thousands of federal workers and strained relationships with non-profit organizations and private contractors reliant on USAID funding. Experts warn that dismantling the agency could exacerbate global instability, particularly amid rising conflicts and pandemics. Chris Milligan, a former senior USAID official, emphasized that halting assistance could lead to increased poverty and authoritarianism.

USAID plays a crucial role in economic development, purchasing over $3 billion in American agricultural and pharmaceutical goods annually. The agency also facilitates seasonal worker programs vital for U.S. farmers, helping to reduce irregular migration from Central America.

Critics argue that eliminating USAID may worsen inflation, as the U.S. relies heavily on imports for fresh produce. Restarting aid programs could be costly, with significant startup expenses anticipated if the agency is reinstated. Despite claims of eliminating waste, Trump and Musk have not provided evidence of widespread corruption within USAID, raising questions about the true motivations behind their push to dismantle the agency.