President Donald Trump criticized USAID as a “tremendous fraud,” contradicting prior support from his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, who lauded the agency’s efforts during their advocacy in Africa. Their initiatives emphasized empowering women and education, while concerns have risen regarding the current administration’s stance on oversight and funding of such programs, indicating a significant policy departure.
Former President Donald Trump labeled USAID as a “tremendous fraud,” a significant shift from the support expressed by his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, during their advocacy for the agency’s programs in Africa. During her 2018 visit as first lady, Melania praised USAID’s initiatives, stating, “We care, and we want to show the world that we care,” while highlighting her involvement in their literacy programs and her observations of educational advancements.
In Malawi, Melania distributed educational supplies and sports equipment, emphasizing the emotional impact of witnessing children’s learning firsthand. She articulated the value of American foreign investments, stating, “When people have opportunities and societies are freer and more educated, we are stronger as the United States.” This rhetoric starkly contrasts her husband’s recent criticisms of USAID’s financial accountability.
A former senior USAID official expressed disbelief at President Trump’s actions against the agency, noting that it is “hard to stomach” his derogatory rhetoric, which undermines initiatives that were previously endorsed by Melania Trump. The official stated that personal experiences in observing USAID’s work can profoundly alter one’s perspective about the agency’s impacts.
Moreover, Ivanka Trump played a crucial role in promoting USAID’s initiatives, spearheading the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) program. Launched in 2019, this initiative aimed to assist 50 million women in developing countries, linking gender equality with national security and economic progress. Ivanka noted, “It is in our domestic security interests to empower women,” highlighting the broader implications of such assistance.
Ivanka’s travels to Africa included support for women entrepreneurs through USAID-backed projects, emphasizing her commitment to empowering female leaders. However, the current administration has moved to restrict these initiatives, reflecting a substantial policy shift under the belief that USAID funding is misallocated, as suggested in recent communications about placing staff on administrative leave.
The contrasting perspectives on USAID between the Trump family members underscore a significant ideological divide within the administration. While Melania and Ivanka Trump praised the agency for its positive impact, President Trump has publicly denigrated it as lacking accountability. This discord hints at the challenges faced by international development initiatives amid changing political climates, and the implications for previously supported programs are considerable.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
