To the editor:
As a retired (2010) employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), I am deeply disappointed in the Trump Administration actions to dismember USAID. Such actions reflect a willful disregard of the positive role performed by foreign aid in U.S. relations with most of the rest of the world.
Not only will countless lives be lost in the developing world due to the termination of vital food distribution and health and agriculture improvement programs, but this termination conveys a message of indifference to the plight of millions of vulnerable people. This message is contrary to the purpose of USAID which was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and supported ever since by both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Even during the Reagan administration, foreign aid continued, although with a less humanitarian than strategic focus. There has always been a U.S. recognition that foreign aid was a critical aspect of U.S. relations with our allies and with the developing world.
I view the destruction of USAID as a misguided effort by the Trump administration to curry favor with Americans that are unfamiliar with the vital role performed by the U.S. foreign aid program. Former Republican USAID Administrators Peter McPherson and Andrew Natsios have spoken recently against USAID’s dismemberment.
The current administration’s actions can only lead to a loss of confidence in American leadership. Is that the image of America we want of our country?
Harold “Hal” Gray
Greensboro
