Efforts to Dismantle USAID “Will Bring Significant Long-Term Costs”
Washington, D.C. — Efforts are afoot to dismantle or severely diminish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) according to media reports and statements from figures in the Trump administration. As the United States’ critical agency for advancing international climate, health, water, agricultural, and other development projects, it also stands as one of the nation’s most important tools for creating goodwill and building soft power.
Following is reaction from Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“The actions being floated by the administration run roughshod over the separation of powers. The president cannot unilaterally restructure or abolish an agency that was created by Congress—no matter how much he dislikes it. Congress needs to stand up for itself.
“This is a curiously counterproductive and poorly timed move that comes as the world is facing grave climate, health, environmental, and economic crises—all of which will be worsened by this assault on USAID.
"Rivals will step into America’s void to make the investments—and reap the benefits—of improving lives for millions around the world while fostering efforts for the global common good. Similar to the Paris climate agreement exit, this action simply narrows the window for essential climate and global health actions, while delivering no benefit to American taxpayers. Rather than saving money, it will bring significant long-term costs.
“USAID accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget but returns immense international goodwill, trade, and security benefits. Its holistic returns are often multiple times the initial investment, representing a strong value to taxpayers.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).