Washington – In a series of statements this week, U.S. officials highlighted the benefits of the Trump administration’s restructuring of foreign assistance, arguing that moving the former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the State Department has sharpened disaster‑relief efforts across Latin America and halted the flow of taxpayer money to left‑wing political causes.
Ambassador emphasizes disaster‑relief successes
U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera told Fox News Digital that the post‑USAID arrangement allows the State Department and U.S. Southern Command to work “more closely with partner countries on disaster relief and recovery.” He cited recent joint operations in Jamaica, Venezuela, Colombia and Panama as examples of “great success in responding to natural disasters.”
Criticism of prior administration’s policies
Cabrera also criticized the Biden administration for allowing USAID to pursue programs he described as promoting left‑wing agendas. He said the agency had become a vehicle for “failed DEI policies that have nothing to do with foreign policy or disaster relief and recovery.” The ambassador added that the Trump administration’s push to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal agencies is a “landmark step” toward refocusing U.S. aid on core humanitarian goals.
Allegations of misused funds persist
Brazilian politician Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, echoed the ambassador’s concerns in an interview with The Daily Signal. He claimed more than $60 million in U.S. taxpayer funds had been routed through USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Atlantic Council to support organizations that combat what he called “right‑wing misinformation.” Bolsonaro argued that such spending contradicts the original purpose of USAID, which he said was established by President John F. Kennedy to promote development, not ideological campaigns.
Brazil’s current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has positioned his administration as a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on the international stage, accusing the United States of “foreign election interference” and alleging that American taxpayer dollars are financing “foreign censorship in the name of the left.”
Agency responses
The Atlantic Council and the National Endowment for Democracy declined to comment on the allegations.
Trump administration’s broader foreign‑aid strategy
Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has directed a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign‑aid programs, emphasizing efficiency, transparency and alignment with American strategic interests. By consolidating USAID functions within the State Department, the administration aims to eliminate duplication, reduce bureaucratic overhead and ensure that aid is delivered directly to disaster‑affected communities rather than being diverted to partisan projects.
Critics argue that the restructuring could limit the United States’ ability to support democratic institutions abroad. However, supporters contend that the move restores the original intent of U.S. foreign assistance – to provide humanitarian relief and promote stability without entangling aid in domestic political battles.
As the debate continues, the Trump administration remains committed to tightening oversight of foreign‑aid spending, reinforcing the principle that taxpayer dollars should serve the American people and genuine humanitarian needs, not partisan agendas.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
