In a moment that left CNN’s Larry Madowo visibly stunned, Rwandan President Paul Kagame didn’t just defend Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—he fully agreed with it.
Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, openly supported Trump’s decision to eliminate the agency, which has long provided billions of dollars in humanitarian aid worldwide.
His endorsement came during a televised interview, where he told Madowo that despite Rwanda receiving financial assistance from the U.S., he believed cutting off aid could lead to valuable lessons.
Trump Declares USAID “Beyond Repair”
Donald Trump, now 78, made his stance clear on Friday, writing in all caps on Truth Social: “CLOSE IT DOWN!” He doubled down on his criticisms, calling USAID “a corrupt, radical organization” and claiming it was run by “lunatics.”
This move is part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies—most notably, billionaire Elon Musk—to overhaul the federal government.
USAID became a major target, with Musk publicly referring to it as “a criminal organization” during a live discussion on X Spaces.
“This isn’t just an apple with a worm in it.
It’s a whole ball of worms,” Musk said, explaining why he believes the agency needs to be completely dismantled.
Kagame’s Surprising Perspective
CNN’s Madowo pushed back against Kagame’s support, reminding him that Rwanda relies on U.S. aid for essential services like healthcare and infrastructure.
Kagame, however, remained firm. “Even though it will hurt, we might learn some lessons from it,” he said, suggesting that Rwanda should not be dependent on foreign aid for its development.
His unexpected stance raised eyebrows, as Rwanda has long been a recipient of U.S. funding, particularly for health initiatives.
USAID’s Role in Global Development
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID has been instrumental in humanitarian work across the globe.
With operations in around 120 countries, it has provided billions in aid to combat poverty, disease, and political instability.
In 2023 alone, the agency managed over $40 billion in funds, with major recipients including Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, and several African nations.
A significant portion of its budget has been directed toward health programs, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Beyond humanitarian aid, USAID has also played a key role in supporting democratic movements, funding independent media, legal aid, and even LGBTQ+ initiatives in countries with restrictive laws.
The Fallout from USAID’s Closure
Following Trump’s announcement, USAID employees were reportedly told to stay out of the agency’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.
By Saturday, the official USAID website had vanished without explanation.
The agency’s former administrator, Samantha Power—who served during Joe Biden’s presidency—has not publicly commented on the situation.
Meanwhile, USAID supporters argue that its closure could have devastating effects on struggling nations, particularly those dealing with conflict and humanitarian crises.
A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
Trump’s move to dismantle USAID marks a significant shift in American foreign policy, as previous administrations—both Republican and Democratic—have considered international aid a key diplomatic tool.
Critics worry that eliminating the agency could create a power vacuum, allowing countries like China and Russia to expand their influence in developing nations.
For now, Kagame’s endorsement of Trump’s decision has sparked widespread debate, especially among African leaders who rely on U.S. aid.
Whether this move will lead to “learning some lessons,” as Kagame suggests, or trigger a humanitarian crisis remains to be seen.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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