Marco Rubio Addresses USAID’s Future and Calls for Reform In a recent interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio shed light on the challenges facing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and addressed criticisms leveled by high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who labeled the agency a “criminal organization” and called for its dissolution. Rubio, who now oversees USAID as acting Administrator, provided a detailed history of the agency and explained the urgent need for reform to align its operations with U.S. national interests. Rubio recounted that USAID was originally established to handle humanitarian assistance separately from the State Department, while still taking policy direction from the Secretary of State, the National Security Council, and the White House. However, he argued that the agency has strayed far from its original mandate. Over time, USAID has come to view itself as a “global charity” rather than a U.S. government entity, distributing taxpayer funds without regard for whether its actions serve American interests. “They just don’t consider that they work for the U.S.; they think their master is the globe,” Rubio stated, emphasizing that this approach contradicts the agency’s statutory purpose and is unsustainable. The Secretary of State also highlighted instances of insubordination within USAID, particularly in response to President Trump’s executive order pausing all foreign aid. Despite the directive, USAID reportedly resisted cooperation, refusing to disclose program details or answer questions while continuing to push payments through the system. Rubio described this behavior as a clear indication that the agency operates with a sense of autonomy, believing it is accountable to no one. “Their basic attitude is, ‘We don’t work for anyone; we work for ourselves,’” he explained, underscoring the need for dramatic steps to bring the agency under control. When asked whether USAID could be reformed or should be dismantled, Rubio expressed a preference for reform. He clarified that the goal is not to eliminate foreign aid altogether but to ensure that it aligns with U.S. priorities and is administered effectively. Some programs funded through USAID, he noted, are worthwhile and should continue, but the agency’s current structure and culture make it difficult to achieve accountability. Rubio suggested that certain functions might be better managed by the State Department or a reformed version of USAID, but the process of determining the best path forward is ongoing. Rubio’s comments reflect a broader effort to overhaul USAID and address concerns about its lack of transparency and accountability. While the agency has played a significant role in global humanitarian efforts, its perceived detachment from U.S. interests has sparked criticism and calls for change. As Rubio and his team work to rein in the agency, the debate over USAID’s future underscores the complexities of balancing global humanitarian goals with national priorities. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and in ways that benefit the United States as well as the international community.
Marco Rubio Addresses USAID’s Future and Calls for Reform In a recent interview
