Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he is temporarily in charge of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) while visiting Central America.
Key Facts:
- Rubio announced he is the acting director of USAID during a trip to El Salvador.
- He voiced frustration with USAID’s “lack of cooperation” and said it should align with U.S. policy.
- President Donald Trump allowed Elon Musk’s inspections of federal agencies, including USAID, sparking criticism from some lawmakers.
- USAID closed its Washington headquarters to employees after Musk said Trump supported shutting down the agency.
- Thousands of USAID staffers have reportedly been laid off since Trump took office.
The Rest of The Story:
While touring a maintenance facility in El Salvador, Rubio explained that USAID should serve the national interest.
He recounted past difficulties when he served in Congress and said basic queries about USAID’s contractors and programs often went unanswered.
He believes taxpayer-funded initiatives must follow official directives from the White House and the Secretary of State.
Rubio also noted that, although he is now the acting director, he has delegated day-to-day authority to another official.
He maintains that many important aid programs will continue.
At the same time, he expects USAID to coordinate with the State Department’s foreign policy priorities instead of functioning like an independent charity.
Back in Washington, the agency’s closure of its main building came amid concerns over the role of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Some Democrats have argued that shutting down or scaling back USAID’s operations without congressional approval is unconstitutional.
Others worry about how Musk’s involvement might grant him access to sensitive data.
Rubio’s diplomatic trip follows recent tensions over deportation flights in Central America.
He praised Panama for repatriating foreign nationals who cross its borders illegally.
At the same time, he urged various leaders to limit cooperation with China in strategic projects like canal operations, citing U.S. security interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio just absolutely RIPPED the deep state slush fund known as USAID:
"I am the acting director of USAID."
"My frustrations with USAID goes back to my time in Congress. It's a completely unresponsive agency, it's supposed to respond to policy… pic.twitter.com/xKO8fmTYwS
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 3, 2025
Commentary:
This consolidation of USAID under the State Department is a positive development for American taxpayers.
By placing USAID firmly under the watch of Secretary Rubio, the Trump administration ensures that foreign aid aligns with our national interests.
For far too long, USAID has been a giant money laundering scheme, with funds drifting toward projects that never face adequate oversight.
The fact that Democrats are loudly opposing the move suggests it is indeed the right path.
Cutting wasteful spending and requiring better accountability is something many Americans have been waiting to see.
The Bottom Line:
Rubio’s move to become the acting head of USAID signals an ongoing effort to reshape American foreign aid.
The debate over how USAID should function—and whether it will remain open—is poised to continue.
With thousands of job cuts already in place, the agency’s future direction remains uncertain, and lawmakers across the aisle are watching closely.
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