Hundreds of diplomats from the State Department and the US International Development Agency told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that they protested the dismantling of the USAID, leaving a vacuum of power to undermine U.S. leadership and security and to fill China and Russia.
In cable, which is expected to be submitted to the department’s internal “opposition channel” that allows diplomats to raise policy concerns anonymously, he said the Trump administration’s January 20 freeze puts American diplomats and the military at risk while jeopardizing millions of overseas lives that rely on US support.
More than 700 people have signed the letter, said a US official who speaks anonymously.
“The decision to freeze and end foreign aid agreements and support awards without meaningful reviews will risk partnerships with key allies, erode trust and create openings for the enemy to expand their influence,” Cable said.
The Republican president pursued what he called the “America First” agenda and ordered a 90-day suspension of all foreign aid in office on January 20th. The order has halted operations around the world, put the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid at risk, and cast global humanitarian relief efforts into disruption.
“The freeze on life-saving aid has already caused irreparable harm and suffering to millions of people around the world,” he said, adding that the funds remained closed despite a statement on exemptions being issued for the lifesaving program.
The president has appointed billionaire and adviser Elon Musk to dismantle USAID as part of an unprecedented push to reduce the federal government on wasteful spending and abuse of funds.
“Foreign aid is not charity. Instead, it is a strategic tool to stabilize the region, prevent conflict and advance US interests,” the letter states.
A State Department spokesman said when asked about cables “we didn’t comment on leaked internal communications.”
In 2023, the US paid $72 billion in aid worldwide, from women’s health in conflict zones to access clean water, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security and anti-corruption work.
According to a State Department spokesman, the company has decided to eliminate nearly 5,800 people, the value of $54 billion, worth $54 million, a 92% reduction, according to a State Department spokesperson. USAID has fired or administered thousands of staff and contractors.
Cable said the government’s failure to pay unpaid bills to contractors and implementation partners has had serious economic consequences.
“The resulting financial tension not only undermines confidence in the US government as a trusted partner, but also weakens domestic economic growth during growing global competition,” Cable said.
Organizations and businesses that have signed with USAID sued the administration last month, saying that funds were cut due to existing contracts, calling for illegal dismantling of the institutions.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a district judge’s order that called on the administration to withhold payments to foreign aid organizations for work already done for the government and promptly release payments to contractors.
