President Donald Trump announced plans to wind down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), citing concerns of corruption within the agency. This decision followed the suspension of over 600 USAID employees and termination of more than 700 personal service contracts, sparking legal questions from Democrats. The White House released a list of what it called “pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats” approved by USAID, including controversial items like funding for diversity initiatives in Serbia, a DEI musical in Ireland, a transgender opera in Colombia, and a transgender comic book in Peru.

Trump, alongside advisor Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, revealed intentions to shut down USAID as part of efforts to streamline the federal bureaucracy. With USAID potentially merging into the State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been overseeing the agency, with Trump hinting at him assuming a long-term leadership role. Established in 1961, USAID manages approximately $40 billion annually. The move to dismantle the agency reflects ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reshape government operations and eliminate what it perceives as wasteful spending.