New Jewish Narrative Condemns Trump Administration’s Illegal Attempts to Shut Down USAID (2-3-2025)
February 3, 2025- We are outraged by this unconstitutional act of presidential overreach, orchestrated by a private citizen. The decision by Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (which is not a government entity) to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is not only unlawful but also a direct assault on the foundational principles of our democracy. USAID was established through an act of Congress, and its dissolution cannot be dictated by executive fiat—let alone by an unelected individual operating outside the bounds of government accountability.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that he is now the acting administrator of USAID is deeply concerning. USAID is an independent agency, not a subsidiary of the State Department, and this brazen power grab represents an illegal consolidation of executive control over foreign aid. The administration’s willingness to trample institutional norms and reconfigure government agencies without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic governance.
Beyond its illegality, the administration’s transactional approach to US foreign aid reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of diplomacy, soft power, and America’s global role. Foreign aid is not a handout, nor is it a bargaining chip to be leveraged at will. It is an essential investment in global stability, conflict prevention, economic development, and humanitarian relief. Cutting off nearly all aid programs—including life-saving global health initiatives, food security efforts, and peacebuilding projects—jeopardizes the well-being of millions around the world and undermines America’s strategic interests. This reckless act abandons our allies, emboldens our adversaries, and erodes the trust and goodwill that generations of US leadership have built.
New Jewish Narrative’s President and CEO, Hadar Susskind, condemned the decision, saying: "This reckless maneuver is a blatant act of Presidential overreach. US-funded peacebuilding initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians are essential in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and stability. After the last nearly 16 months of devastating war, the necessity of investing in these types of initiatives couldn’t be more clear. Dismantling USAID threatens to undermine vital programs needed to build a sustainable peace."