Global relations have continuously evolved throughout history, driven by changing power balances and differing interests. International aid policies, which are an important part of these dynamics, have served as a significant tool for strengthening relations between countries, establishing strategic partnerships, and sometimes reinforcing mutual interdependence. Especially since the late 20th century, the United States (US) has emerged as one of the most influential actors in this field. The US has provided large-scale aid to various regions around the world, both to promote global development and to reinforce its geopolitical objectives, using these aids as a crucial instrument of its foreign policy.
America’s leadership in global aid policies has been strengthened, especially through the establishment of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1961. USAID has made significant contributions to the development of emerging countries by engaging in various areas such as global development projects, healthcare, education, infrastructure investments, environmental projects, and humanitarian aid. These US aids have functioned not only as a humanitarian responsibility but also as a tool supporting its strategic interests in international relations. The aid provided through USAID has been used as a political strategy to expand America’s global power and influence.
Donald Trump’s second term as president, which began on January 20, 2025, has initiated a significant transformation in America’s foreign aid policies. Trump’s “America First” approach has reshaped America’s global responsibilities and foreign aid programs. This policy aims to prioritize America’s strategic interests in the international arena. Trump argued that foreign aid should be directed in a way that is more in line with the foreign policy of the US president, and in this regard, he decided to initiate a 90-day suspension of aid activities, with the exception of his most important allies in the Middle East, Israel and Egypt.[1] During this process, the dismissal of senior USAID officials who did not comply with the decision also demonstrates Trump’s determination to oversee foreign aid programs and align them more closely with strategic interests.
Trump’s decisions have raised serious concerns among allies and developing countries around the world. The aid provided by USAID is not only humanitarian assistance but also a tool that strengthens America’s global strategic interests. In this context, the suspension of aid policies could negatively impact America’s international credibility and reputation.
USAID has contributed to many humanitarian crises and development programs around the world in the past. Efforts such as combating famine in Sudan, HIV/AIDS treatment programs, and aid activities for refugees are just a few concrete examples that have reinforced the US’s global leadership role.[2] As Michael Schiffer, who served as the Deputy Administrator for the Asia Bureau of USAID from 2022 to 2025, has pointed out, the temporary suspension of foreign aid will have “clear, predictable consequences.”[3] These consequences are not limited to humanitarian losses; they could also seriously undermine America’s credibility and reputation on a global scale. By suspending foreign aid, America may not only weaken the people in the countries experiencing the crisis but also its own strategic interests.
USAID’s foreign aid programs not only address humanitarian crises but also play an important role in strengthening regional and global security. For example, humanitarian aid activities in Bangladesh contribute to both the internal stability of the country and the security of other countries in the region. The suspension of aid could weaken the social and economic structures in these countries and lead to further instability.[4] As a result, threats could emerge not only for regional but also for global security. Issues such as famine, poverty, and political instability could pave the way for new security crises.
Aid in developing regions not only increases the capacity of governments to serve their people but also promotes international cooperation. This aid strengthens trust between countries, enhances trade routes, and creates a positive impact on diplomatic relations. The suspension of aid could lead to the end of these positive interactions, even causing them to regress. Therefore, there could be significant setbacks not only in development processes but also in security objectives. A government struggling with economic difficulties could become more vulnerable to internal conflicts along with the loss of external support. This could have profound effects on global security.
The suspension of aid poses a serious threat, especially for low-income and crisis-stricken communities. As seen in Afghanistan, the failure to meet the expectations of people in need of basic food and healthcare will lead to increased instability and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country. These negative effects could trigger large-scale migration waves globally. In this context, the suspension of aid could lead to more uncertainty on a global scale.
In conclusion, the US foreign aid policies are critical not only for addressing humanitarian crises but also for strengthening global security. The projects carried out by USAID support the development of emerging countries while also contributing to the building of international cooperation and trust. The Trump administration’s decision to halt foreign aid not only deepens the instability in recipient countries but also threatens the US’s global strategic interests. The suspension of aid can disrupt the development process and increase security risks.
[1] “UN chief expresses ‘concern’ over Trump’s freeze on US foreign aid”, AlJazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/27/un-chief-expresses-concern-over-trumps-freeze-on-us-foreign-aid, (Date Accession: 29.01.2025).
[2] “Trump administration memo tells USAID to put “America First” in reviewing foreign aid”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-memo-tells-usaid-put-america-first-reviewing-foreign-aid-2025-01-26/, (Date Accession: 29.01.2025).
[3] “UN chief expresses ‘concern’ over Trump’s freeze on US foreign aid”, AlJazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/27/un-chief-expresses-concern-over-trumps-freeze-on-us-foreign-aid, (Date Accession: 29.01.2025).
[4] “USAID halts funding to Bangladesh after Trump imposes 90-day hold on all foreign aid”, The New Indıan Express, https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Jan/26/usaid-halts-funding-to-bangladesh-after-trump-imposes-90-day-hold-on-all-foreign-aid, (Date Accession: 29.01.2025).
