By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: US Agency for International Development (USAID) to Shut Down, State Department to Absorb Key Functions
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

US Agency for International Development (USAID) to Shut Down, State Department to Absorb Key Functions

Genesis Obong
By Genesis Obong
Published: March 29, 2025
Share
4 Min Read
USAID Aid Freeze, USAID Shutdown
SHARE

The State Department has announced its intention to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by July 1st, transferring key functions to its own purview. This decision, communicated to Congress on Friday, signals a dramatic shift in the landscape of U.S. foreign assistance, marking the end of an agency that has been instrumental in global poverty reduction and humanitarian aid for decades.

The Trump administration’s drive to dismantle USAID, citing concerns over “mismanaged taxpayer dollars” and programs deemed not in the U.S. interest, has culminated in this shutdown. However, given USAID’s congressional mandate, legal battles are anticipated.

“This decision is not just a bureaucratic reshuffling; it’s a fundamental change in how the United States engages with the world,” I observed, having covered similar government restructurings in the past.

The administration’s actions have been swift and decisive. Since taking office, they have pursued a policy of pausing foreign aid for review, resulting in the dismissal or furlough of thousands of USAID employees and the cancellation of billions in aid contracts. As of last week, the agency’s workforce had dwindled to fewer than 900.

- Advertisement -

The impact of these decisions is already being felt. Aid organizations and former USAID workers have filed lawsuits, and some employees have been forced to cover their own repatriation costs from overseas assignments.

A federal appeals court, while acknowledging the potential for future reversals, has permitted the shutdown to proceed for the time being. This judicial decision has only intensified the debate surrounding the administration’s authority and the potential consequences for global aid efforts.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been a key driver in this restructuring. Jeremy Lewin, working across DOGE and USAID, stated in a memo obtained by CNN that the move aims to “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.”

However, this “efficiency” comes at a steep human cost. Redundancy notices are being issued to nearly all remaining USAID personnel.

- Advertisement -

Read Also: US Aid Freeze Cripples Global Health Programs, Warns WHO

While some critical programs, such as emergency aid, health initiatives, and specific security projects, will be absorbed by the State Department, regional development efforts will be integrated into matching State Department offices. This raises concerns about the continuity and effectiveness of these vital programs.

The shutdown of USAID raises critical questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid. Critics argue that dismantling an agency with decades of expertise will undermine America’s soft power and ability to respond to global crises. They point to the agency’s vital role in addressing humanitarian needs and promoting stability in vulnerable regions.

Conversely, proponents of the shutdown argue that it represents a necessary step toward streamlining government operations and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used more effectively.

The legal battles and policy debates that lie ahead will undoubtedly shape the future of U.S. foreign assistance and its role on the global stage. As this story unfolds, the human cost and the long-term implications for international development remain central to the narrative.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:Foreign Policygovernment restructuringhumanitarian crisisinternational aidlegal challengesState DepartmentUSAID
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByGenesis Obong
Follow:
Genesis Obong is a Journalist with relevant experience in Business, Finance and Economic matters in Nigeria and across the West African space.
Previous Article “Right Now, I am Not Interested in Men” – Beauty Tukura Says After Breakup With Neo
Next Article President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somail Somalia Offers US Exclusive Access to Strategic Bases, Ports Amid Regional Tensions

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 3 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

L-R: Ify Okoye, Digital Creator; Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Actress; Stella Erebor, Head Internal Audit, Nigerian Communications Commission; Emanuella Samuel, Comedienne/Actress, Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), Meta, and Nicole Chikwe, founder of The Mummy Summit, during the launch of Instagram teen accounts in Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Meta Launches Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria to Enhance Online Safety for Young Users
Tech
President Tinubu and Top Officials Attend Eid-el-Kabir Prayers in Lagos, Emphasize Peace and Progress
News
Elon Musk’s Net Worth Plummets $34 Billion Amid Explosive Feud with Donald Trump
International
BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno Defects from PDP to APC in Strategic Political Shift
Politics Top stories
BREAKING: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Passes Away at 89
News Top stories
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

International

Russia Launches Deadly Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine Following Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Bomber Fleet

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
Top stories

MTN Nigeria Doubles ICT Industry Average with 41.4% Female Workforce Representation

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 6, 2025
News

Lagos Commuters Endure Severe Gridlock as Pre-Sallah Activities Paralyze Major Routes

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?