Dismantled
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is being dismantled, according to Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The announcement comes a week after most U.S. foreign aid was paused, and a day following the dismissal of two USAID officials who reportedly denied DOGE personnel from accessing part of the USAID headquarters in Washington, DC. Employees of USAID, both domestically and around the world, have been put on leave and, in the case of those stationed internationally, instructed to return home.
There is widespread expectation that President Trump and Musk are leaning toward placing whatever portions of the agency survive under the supervision of the State Department. It is not immediately clear, however, when such a determination will be made.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Like the last story, there are layers to the public debate surrounding this story, including:
- What role should U.S. taxpayer dollars play in international humanitarian aid?
- Do the current programs and expenditures of USAID advance a worthwhile goal?
- Does a president have authority to dismantle an agency created by Congress?
- Are there national security concerns presented by either recipients of USAID funding or by the void that would be created by ceasing funding?
- What are the most effective procedures for completing a review of this magnitude?
Perhaps more important than your opinion on any of the above is, once again, a clear understanding of your personal mandate to care for the needy among us. You may view the participation of the world’s superpower as essential to the mandate, or, on the other hand, you may view government participation as a disincentive to the robust participation of Jesus followers in this work.
Either way, as you thoughtfully interact with the public debate and questions outlined above, how will you continually embrace your own personal inclination to the poor? How will you be sure to see the need around you? How will you work to be certain your heart is inclined to the need? And how will you be certain to live sacrificially for their care?
While the American people have a tremendous ability to participate in their own self-governance, you—even if you are an American citizen—do not have the ability to ensure your government’s participation in this space precisely mirrors your personal preference. You are, however, invited to walk in the beautiful personal invitation of the Gospel to “uphold the cause of the poor” (Ps. 82:3)!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.