On Saturday, the website of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) unexpectedly went offline amidst ongoing furloughs, layoffs, and program shutdowns as part of President Donald Trump's freeze on U.S.-funded foreign aid and development worldwide. Congressional Democrats have raised concerns that Trump may be considering absorbing USAID into the State Department, a move they argue lacks legal authority and could jeopardize national security.
Trump and congressional Republicans have criticized foreign aid and development programs as wasteful, particularly those they believe promote liberal social agendas. This criticism has intensified as the administration continues its freeze on billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security assistance.
