What's happened
The US Senate approved nearly $9 billion in cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting, including incinerating expired high-nutrition biscuits meant for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The aid reductions follow deep State Department cuts and the shutdown of USAID, impacting global humanitarian projects.
What's behind the headline?
The aid cuts and food wastage reveal a broader shift in US foreign policy under the current administration. The decision to incinerate nearly 500 tonnes of high-nutrition biscuits, purchased late in the Biden administration, exemplifies how abrupt reductions in aid programs can lead to waste and undermine humanitarian efforts. The closure of USAID and the firing of thousands of aid workers have disrupted infrastructure projects, such as water and sanitation initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which were scheduled to run until 2027. The political narrative emphasizes efficiency and cost-cutting, but the real consequence is a diminished US global presence and credibility. The aid reductions, including pulling funds from UN agencies and development programs, are likely to weaken US influence and embolden competitors like China, which is increasing its diplomatic spending. The internal debates highlight a tension between fiscal conservatism and moral responsibility, with critics warning that these cuts will exacerbate global suffering and diminish US leadership. The decision to preserve programs like PEPFAR indicates some recognition of the importance of targeted aid, but overall, the US is retreating from its traditional role as a global aid leader. The long-term impact will likely be a decline in US soft power and increased instability in regions dependent on aid, with the potential for geopolitical shifts as other nations fill the vacuum.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that the US has approved nearly $9 billion in aid cuts, including the destruction of expired food aid such as biscuits meant for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The article highlights the political controversy, with Democrats criticizing the aid reductions and the impact on global humanitarian efforts. The report also notes that the aid cuts follow the recent layoffs at the State Department and the shutdown of USAID, which has led to the termination of major infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, The Japan Times provides details on the specific incident of wasted biscuits, noting that 496 metric tons worth $793,000 were destroyed in June, with an additional 622 tons saved in June but ultimately incinerated or landfilled, costing the US government extra. The articles together illustrate how the aid cuts have tangible consequences, including waste and project disruptions, and reflect a broader strategic shift in US foreign policy. The coverage underscores the tension between fiscal austerity and humanitarian responsibility, with critics warning of long-term geopolitical repercussions.
How we got here
Under the Trump administration, the US government implemented significant cuts to foreign aid and reorganized the State Department, including merging USAID into the department. These measures aimed to increase efficiency but have led to disruptions in aid delivery and project closures worldwide. The recent aid cuts and layoffs reflect ongoing efforts to reshape US foreign policy and reduce spending on international assistance.
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The United States Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.