Trump Administration Memo Directs USAID To Prioritize “America First” In Foreign Aid

The Trump administration called on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees to participate in reshaping how the U.S. distributes aid globally, in accordance with Trump’s “America First” agenda. The administration warned of “disciplinary action” for any staff who disregarded its directives.

A strongly worded memo sent to over 10,000 USAID staff on Saturday provided additional direction following Friday’s “stop-work” order, which effectively implemented a broad halt to U.S. foreign aid initiatives worldwide.

In an internal memo titled “Message and Expectation to the Workforce,” Ken Jackson, assistant to the administrator for management and resources, stated the importance of supporting the President’s vision for foreign assistance. The memo expressed that the President aims to transform the approach to foreign aid, a commitment he began upon taking office last week by reassessing foreign assistance programs and pausing all aid for 90 days.

This halt raises concerns over billions in humanitarian aid as the U.S. is a major global donor, providing $72 billion in assistance in fiscal year 2023. The memo shocked humanitarian organizations, with further details indicating that only emergency food assistance would be exempt from the pause, and any waivers for other aid would require significant justification and multiple approvals.

The pause could severely impact life-saving operations, especially in famine-stricken regions like Sudan, where millions rely on U.S. aid. Critics emphasized that hunger exacerbates health vulnerabilities, calling attention to the dire consequences for those affected.