Former President Trump labeled USAID a “tremendous fraud” while his wife and daughter previously supported its initiatives. Melania praised USAID during her African tour, emphasizing its positive impact. In contrast, Trump criticized the agency’s accountability. Ivanka promoted women’s empowerment through USAID initiatives. The administration has since sought to dismantle such programs, leading to concerns about the future of American aid.
Former President Donald Trump publicly condemned the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a “tremendous fraud,” despite his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump, having previously supported its initiatives. During her 2018 African tour, Melania emphasized the agency’s positive impact, stating, “We care, and we want to show the world that we care.” She underscored the importance of American investments abroad, pointing to successful USAID programs that improved education and economic opportunities.
While Melania praised USAID, President Trump has sought to dismantle its programs, criticizing it for lack of accountability to taxpayers. He expressed that the agency had funneled significant funds to questionable projects without proper oversight. This sharp contrast highlights the disconnect between the former first lady’s support and her husband’s actions against USAID.
Moreover, Ivanka Trump had advocated for USAID’s role in empowering women in developing countries through the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, which he launched in 2019. She stressed the initiative’s dual purpose of aiding women’s economic independence and enhancing national security, stating the correlation between gender inequality and conflict.
Both Melania and Ivanka Trump undertook engagements in Africa highlighting USAID-funded projects aimed at supporting communities. Despite their involvement, the current administration has moved to restrict funding and dismantle programs previously promoted by the Trumps, leading to concern from former USAID officials about the implications of these cuts.
The shift in attitudes toward USAID reflects a broader political strategy within the Trump administration to reduce governmental diversity initiatives and alter the agency’s operational focus, leaving many to question the future of American aid abroad.
In summary, despite the previous support from Melania and Ivanka Trump for USAID and its initiatives, their husband, President Donald Trump, has taken a contrasting stance by labeling the agency a “tremendous fraud” and enacting measures to dismantle its programs. This stark dichotomy underscores political motivations that have led to a significant shift in the administration’s approach to international aid and investment. The actions taken by the Trump administration raise concerns among officials about the long-term impact on global assistance efforts.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
