Donald Trump has criticized USAID as a ‘tremendous fraud,’ despite his wife and daughter promoting the agency’s initiatives in the past. Melania Trump praised USAID’s work during her 2018 Africa trip, while Ivanka Trump led a women’s empowerment initiative linked to the agency. The administration’s recent actions reflect a shift away from these programs, with all direct-hire USAID employees being placed on administrative leave, except for essential roles.
Former President Donald Trump has labeled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a ‘tremendous fraud’, despite his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, having previously championed its initiatives. During her 2018 trip to Africa, Melania Trump praised USAID’s efforts, stating, ‘We care, and we want to show the world that we care’ while highlighting successful programs she witnessed firsthand, such as distributing school supplies in Malawi. Contrastingly, the Trump administration’s recent memo criticized USAID for a lack of accountability and oversight, claiming that it funds mismanaged projects.
Melania Trump underscored the importance of American investments abroad, believing that supporting education enhances U.S. strength. She witnessed various projects, including a USAID initiative addressing groundwater issues threatening Egypt’s historical artifacts. Despite her enthusiasm, a former USAID official remarked on the difficulties of reconciling Melania’s experiences with the current administration’s stance, indicating that firsthand experiences profoundly impact understanding.
Similarly, Ivanka Trump had previously supported USAID initiatives, both during her own African tour and in her role behind the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” initiative aimed at empowering women in developing nations. This $50 million program was seen as significant not only for providing economic assistance but also for its link to national security. Ivanka explained that ‘there is a correlation between gender inequality and conflict,’ emphasizing the need to empower women for global stability.
As the Trump administration has sought to diminish USAID and associated investments, it has prioritized curbing diversity-related government initiatives. Recently, the administration announced that all direct-hire USAID employees, except essential leadership, will be placed on administrative leave, indicating a strategic shift away from the agency’s work.
The contrasting views of the Trump family highlight a significant shift in perspective regarding USAID. While Melania and Ivanka Trump actively promoted the agency’s initiatives aimed at fostering growth and education abroad, Donald Trump’s denouncement of USAID as fraudulent depicts a troubling divergence from those laudable efforts. This discord raises questions about the future of foreign aid and development initiatives under the Trump administration.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
