The U.S. Secretary of State announced on Monday that most USAID programs would be shut down following a six-week review.
“After a six-week evaluation, we are officially canceling 83% of USAID programs,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X.
According to Rubio, the cancellation affects 5,200 contracts, which had spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that either failed to serve or, in some cases, harmed U.S. national interests.
The remaining 18% of programs (about 1,000 contracts) will now be managed more efficiently under the State Department, in consultation with Congress.
Rubio expressed gratitude to the DOGE and its staff for their dedication in implementing this significant reform.
Earlier, on February 27, the U.S. government froze nearly 5,800 USAID grants, retaining only 500 contracts worth $57 billion.
This dramatic reduction in foreign aid has severely impacted non-profit organizations and contractors, causing aid programs worldwide to be suspended due to halted funding and a review of billions in assistance.
