U.S. Cancels 83% of USAID Programs in Major Policy Shift

After six weeks of deliberation, the U.S. government is officially canceling 83% of USAID programs, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media.

According to Rubio, 5,200 contracts are being terminated, as they have spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that do not align with or, in some cases, even harm the core national interests of the United States. He emphasized that in consultation with Congress, the State Department will ensure that the remaining 18% of programs—approximately 1,000 contracts—are administered more effectively.

“We thank the Office of Government Efficiency and the hardworking staff of the Department of State who have worked countless hours to achieve this long-needed and historic reform,” Rubio stated.

The announcement marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, raising questions about the future of international development assistance and the specific projects that will be impacted by these cuts.