WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
Hundreds of diplomats from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have written to Secretary of State Mark Rubio protesting the dissolution of USAID, saying the move undermines US leadership and national security and leaves a power vacuum that could be filled by China and Russia.
In a letter submitted through a channel that allows diplomats at the State Department to anonymously express policy concerns, they said the Trump administration's freeze on nearly all foreign aid on January 20 also endangers US diplomats and forces abroad, while putting the lives of millions of people abroad who depend on US aid at risk.
"The decision to freeze and terminate foreign aid contracts and aid grants without any meaningful review undermines our partnerships with key allies, erodes trust, and enables adversaries to expand their influence," the letter said, Hina reported, citing Reuters.
More than 700 people signed the letter, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity.
Donald Trump, pursuing what he calls an “America First” agenda, ordered a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid on his first day in office.
‘A tool that advances U.S. interests’
The order halted USAID operations around the world, jeopardizing the delivery of life-saving food and medical supplies and throwing global relief efforts into chaos.
“The freeze on life-saving aid has already caused irreparable harm and suffering to millions of people around the world,” the letter said, adding that despite reports of waivers issued for life-saving programs, funding remained shut down.
The president has tasked billionaire adviser Elon Musk with cutting off USAID as part of an unprecedented effort to cut back on what both say is wasteful spending and misuse of funds.
“Foreign aid is not charity. It is a strategic tool that stabilizes regions, prevents conflict, and advances U.S. interests,” the letter states. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in aid worldwide, for programs ranging from women’s health in conflict zones to access to clean water, AIDS treatment, energy security, and anti-corruption work.
