The United States of America has the largest economy in the world. In 2023, its GDP was 27 trillion, accounting for 26% of the world’s GDP. With the rise of wars in both Israel and Ukraine, countries that need military support, the increased spending of foreign aid is expected to ensure the interests of the US. African countries receiving American aid is a relationship of mutual benefit. African countries gain the support they need to advance their quality of life, and the US creates potential trading partners that benefit the domestic economy. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with the Trump administration has stated it wishes to cut 90% of USAID funding, effectively cutting ties and support to allies Ukraine and other developing countries in Africa. This cut jeopardized the loss of allied relationships and the expansion of international rivals and the potential of losing potential trading partners in Africa.
The Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, has the goal of cutting any federal spending that is deemed unnecessary. Recently they paused all military aid to Ukraine, a country deep in a war with one of America’s largest economic rivals and most contentious relationships, Russia. Ending this would completely cut Ukraine off and leave a much less militarily advanced country, alone to fend against one of the strongest militaries. The United States has a moral obligation as one of the wealthiest nations to support a country affected by an unjustified aggressor. The complete pulling out of support, which many call “America first,” is doing the exact opposite of supporting underdeveloped struggling nations which is actually what the US is all about.
Along with military support for countries at war, USAID gives compensation to developing countries in Africa. They provide economic growth through creating jobs and promoting trade, and improve the health of the nation through vaccine development. The prosperity of some of these African nations, such as Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia, are potentially large future trading partners to the US. Their position in the African continent with their rich resources can add a lot to the American economy. USAID in Africa is a worthwhile investment that will bring great benefit to the US while taking into account the small amount the US is paying, opposed to the money being sent to Ukraine and Israel.
USAID spending, though an argument for their budget to be reasonably cut, is immensely important to the US. It develops trading partners, fulfills its duties as one of the largest and wealthiest economies in the world, and ensures foreign alliance against international opposition. The complete suspension of the budget of USAID by DOGE is a mistake that should be reversed and given back the means to their mission.
