Trump Admin Reviews Spending, Halts Aid

The Future of Foreign Aid Under the New Administration
The Trump administration decided to implement a temporary freeze on federal grants and loans. This freeze aims to review spending and ensure it aligns with the new priorities of the administration. During this review, it became clear that the previous Biden administration had set aside significant funds. Specifically, $37 million was allocated to the World Health Organization. Additionally, $50 million was designated for distributing prophylactics in Gaza. This freeze does not only affect financial allocations. It also pauses hiring for federal positions, delays regulatory actions, and puts a hold on foreign aid. The goal of these actions is to better align government spending with the current administration’s fiscal goals. By reevaluating these expenditures, the administration hopes to redirect funds to areas they deem more critical. In her debut press briefing, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Set the Record Straight Federal Funding Freeze.
Federal Judge Blocks Trumps Ban On 50 Million Dollars Of Taxpayer Money Going To Gaza
Many people are struggling to understand the recent decision by Democrats to allocate $50 million for prophylactics to be distributed in Gaza. Considering the population of Gaza is approximately 2 million, this sum raises eyebrows. When you break down the numbers, it becomes puzzling. If every individual received an equal share, that would amount to around $25 per person for something that basic. It prompts questions about the intended use of these funds. The scale of the funding appears excessive for the size of the population in that area. It fuels speculation about whether such a decision may be linked to less transparent dealings, leaving many to wonder if it raises red flags about potential misuse of funds. Some are asking if this is simply an effort to raise awareness about health issues, or if there are other motives at play. The entire situation seems to fall short of straightforward reasoning. Financial decisions like this justify calls for accountability and deeper investigation into how public money is being spent. Gaza faces severe humanitarian and infrastructure challenges but that wasn’t the priority. The Democrats are not having it. A federal judge has issued a temporary block on part of this spending freeze by the Trump administration.
The Biden Admin was funding both sides of the war
The question of why Gaza would need $50 million worth of prophylactics might seem unusual at first glance. However, the reality is that these have been adapted for a troubling purpose. They are used as a means to transport explosives into Israel. This unconventional method has raised significant concern among various stakeholders. The implication of this situation is serious, particularly regarding funding and support for groups that engage in acts of terror. When discussing potential funding sources, it’s alarming to realise that financial aid, possibly from the US or other nations, is being channelled into these dangerous activities. President Biden’s administration has faced scrutiny over its financial decisions, especially funding contributes to terrorism.
Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency
In response to these growing fiscal challenges, the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, created under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump, has committed to addressing the problem of the deficit. This department aims to offer “advice and guidance” to help reduce spending, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and cut down on regulatory burdens. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of these measures in making a meaningful impact on the deficit. Ron Paul is expected to join DOGE and has been sounding the alarm on government waste since 1988. Known for his unwavering opposition to the income tax, Paul has long argued that it fuels an unsustainable welfare state and props up an American empire, funded through the twin engines of income tax and the Federal Reserve’s monetized debt.
Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency
US President-elect Donald Trump selected Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as DOGE. This department is unique because it will operate as a non-governmental agency, meaning its role is to provide advice and guidance without being directly part of the government. Trump expressed confidence in Musk and Ramaswamy, stating that they will be instrumental in bringing about large-scale structural reforms and establishing a fresh, entrepreneurial approach to the workings of government that has not been seen before.
Waste of US Tax Dollars by the Government
Donald Trump creating the Department of Government Efficiency speaks volumes about the type of government he is going to run. Never before has a President held its own government accountable for things actually getting done. Most leaders do nothing other than start wars and waste taxpayer money. here some of the dumbest uses of your tax dollars. $20,000 to drag shows in Ecuador. $30,000 to study the secret language of butchers in Paris. $750,000 for the New York Metropolitan Opera fire alarm. $350,000 to develop AI smart toilets. $660,000 to study the impact that COVID had on Russian women.
Africa’s Dependency on USAID Funding
How Foreign Aid Is Destroying Africa
NGOs in Africa that are dependent on USAID face significant challenges and opportunities due to the nature of this funding relationship. USAID is one of the largest donors to NGOs in Africa, providing substantial financial support for various programs. In 2021, USAID and the U.S. Department of State provided $8.5 billion in assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, which supports numerous NGOs involved in health, education, conflict resolution, governance, and economic development. However, securing and managing USAID funds comes with stringent compliance requirements. NGOs must adhere to U.S. government regulations, which can be complex and resource intensive. This includes procurement policies, financial reporting, and oversight, which can strain smaller NGOs. It created dependency leading to a loss of operational independence, where NGOs align their objectives more with donor priorities than local needs. Recent actions, like the temporary freeze on federal grants and loans by the Trump administration, have directly affected NGOs in Africa, leading to immediate job losses and program suspensions.
A significant number of African countries depend on international aid for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. These areas are critical for the well-being and growth of their populations. According to reports, 76% of the payroll from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is classified as irregular. This issue has been highlighted by auditors, who labelled it a “significant deficiency.” This means that a large portion of the funds intended for beneficial programmes is not being managed properly. When expenses are tallied up, they are reported as “USA Aid to Africa.” Unfortunately, a substantial amount of this financial support is siphoned off by corrupt individuals, rather than reaching the communities in need. It is estimated that Africa loses over $50 billion annually to corruption linked to foreign aid. In total, the continent faces an estimated loss of $192 billion each year. This staggering amount could be vital in financing institutions that rely on support from USAID and other funding sources. While it is not accurate to say that African nations cannot survive without USAID, as evidenced by the suspension of aid during President Trump’s administration, the situation is complicated. Many African leaders have become reliant on these aid packages, outsourcing the responsibility of their people’s welfare to the external funding provided by the United States. This dependency on foreign aid has created a cycle of reliance that hinders local development and self-sufficiency. The challenges posed by the potential cessation of aid highlight the need for sustainable solutions that empower African nations to stand on their own.
Written By Tatenda Belle Panashe