USAID website together with X account go offline
(MENAFN) The US Agency for International Development (USAID) website went offline following President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing most foreign aid programs for 90 days to reassess spending. The website became inaccessible on Saturday afternoon, displaying an error message, and the agency's X account was also taken down. This move comes as the Trump administration is reportedly considering placing USAID under the control of the State Department.
The executive order, signed last week, calls for a review of foreign aid programs, citing concerns that billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on programs that don't serve American interests and may even work against them. This freeze is part of Trump’s “America First” policy aimed at cutting wasteful spending and focusing on domestic priorities.
USAID, which oversees over $60 billion in foreign assistance annually, has been significantly impacted. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering removing USAID’s independence and merging it with the State Department. Sources indicate that meetings have been held by the National Security Council to explore legal options for this change, with some officials expecting an executive order soon.
Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, have condemned the proposed merger, arguing it could face legal challenges and undermine the agency’s mission. Musk, who advises Trump on government downsizing, commented on the situation, saying, “Live by executive order, die by executive order.” USAID was created in 1961 by President Kennedy and has since focused on global humanitarian and development efforts. However, its effectiveness has come under scrutiny in recent years.
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