Ottawa, February 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Canadian government has voiced deep concern over the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), citing potential repercussions for global humanitarian aid and development programs.
The U.S. administration announced that all USAID employees would be withdrawn from their posts by the end of the week unless deemed essential. The agency’s website has been replaced with a removal notice, its social media accounts have been deactivated, and all funding has been frozen as part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump and his allies to curb what they consider “wasteful spending.”
A spokesperson for Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, emphasized USAID’s critical role in addressing global humanitarian crises and supporting vulnerable populations.
“Canada is deeply concerned by the U.S. administration’s decision to shut down USAID,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
USAID, the world’s largest foreign aid agency, funds development projects in over 120 countries, including initiatives in health care, education, clean water access, and crisis response. The agency has collaborated with Canada on several projects, such as water management efforts in Peru and humanitarian relief operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Critics argue that the move represents a significant setback for global development efforts, particularly in addressing food security, health crises, and human rights protections. Trump and his allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, have specifically targeted USAID programs that promote diversity, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“The loss of USAID’s leadership and resources represents a dangerous retreat that risks decades of progress in fighting inequality, starvation, pandemics, and authoritarianism,” a development expert warned.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been appointed acting director of USAID, defended the decision, stating that foreign aid will continue but in a manner that aligns more closely with U.S. national interests.
“This is not about ending foreign aid. It is about structuring it in a way that furthers the national interest of the United States,” Rubio said during a press conference in Guatemala City.
The decision has sparked strong opposition among Democratic lawmakers, who have staged protests outside USAID headquarters in Washington, calling the shutdown “illegal” and likening it to a “coup” against the agency’s mandate.
Canada reaffirmed its commitment to foreign aid, emphasizing that international assistance is not merely a handout but an investment in global stability and security.
