Trump aides circulate plan for complete revamp of foreign aid programs

— Placing the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency under the auspices of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The combined entity would focus on promoting private sector investment, especially in areas such as infrastructure, energy and technology. The document says the new approach would be a powerful counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which Beijing has used to gain economic and diplomatic footholds in many countries.

— Moving all, or virtually all, “politically oriented” programs that the Trump administration may wish to pursue under the State Department. This includes promoting democracy and religious freedom, empowering women and fighting human trafficking. Many of these efforts already exist under the State Department, but it’s possible that similar efforts at USAID or other agencies and departments could be moved to State.

Related:

Defunded Aid Programs Are Asked by Trump Administration to Prove Their Value, on a Scale of 1 to 5

• How much does this project directly impact efforts to counter malign influence, including China?
• What impact does this project have on limiting the flow of fentanyl, synthetic drugs, and precursor chemicals into the U. S.?
• Does this project directly impact efforts to strengthen U.S. supply chains or secure rare earth minerals?

How to DOGE USAID: The Wall Street Consensus under Trump

USAID to be merged into State Department, 3 U.S. officials say