Hundreds of diplomats from the US State Department and US Agency for International Development have written a letter addressed to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio protesting against the structured dismantling of the USAID, and suggesting that the decline of USAID could be a risk to national security and undermine the leadership position of the US. The department’s internal “dissent channel” allows diplomats to express their reservations and raise concerns about policies anonymously and a cable is expected to be filed in the same regard. Diplomats suggest that dismantling of USAID risks creating a power vacuum which China, Russia could exploit and fill. The administration ordered a freeze on almost all foreign aid via the USAID as soon as the US President Donald Trump took oath of office for a second time on January 20. The diplomats in the letter warned that freezing of aid could affect American diplomats and forces overseas, and it might also put millions at risk who depend on the aid provided by the United States. “The decision to freeze and terminate foreign aid contracts and assistance awards without any meaningful review jeopardizes our partnerships with key allies, erodes trust, and creates openings for adversaries to expand their influence,” the diplomats letter said as stated by Reuters. According to a US official quoted by Reuters, at least 700 diplomats have signed the letter which is addressed to the Secretary of State Rubio. Trump has prioritized the “America First” agenda and halted the operations of all foreign funding for a 90 day period, starting from January 20 which includes USAID. “The freeze on life-saving aid has already caused irreparable harm and suffering to millions of people around the world," the letter said.
