International

U.S. cancels 83% of USAID funding programs

The United States has canceled 83% of USAID's funding programs, as announced by the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on platform X.

Rubio stated that a total of 5,200 contracts were canceled, which would have involved the expenditure of "tens of billions of dollars" on purposes not aligned with U.S. national interests.

Approximately 1,000 programs have been preserved following consultations with Congress. The remaining 18% of programs, according to Rubio’s post, will now be managed "more efficiently" by the U.S. State Department.

It should be noted that on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending most U.S. foreign assistance programs for a 90-day review, aiming to ensure they align with his foreign policy. In early February, Trump suggested that USAID should be shut down, accusing the agency of corruption.

By 2030, USAID Moldova was set to direct American funds toward essential projects, including strengthening social cohesion, promoting economic growth, supporting democratic governance, and enhancing energy security and healthcare systems.

Since 1992, the U.S. has allocated over 1 billion dollars to Moldova through USAID. In 2024 alone, the planned funding was approximately 150 million dollars for dozens of projects in energy, education, justice, and rural development, according to official data.

Recently, Prime Minister Dorin Recean expressed gratitude to the United States and the American people for their support in numerous projects carried out in Moldova over the past 33 years. President Maia Sandu has also announced that she is working with international partners to find solutions to continue U.S.-funded projects, including energy infrastructure projects such as the interconnection line with Romania and energy storage systems.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

X