Melania Trump praised USAID’s efforts during her 2018 Africa trip, promoting education and women’s empowerment. In contrast, President Trump recently condemned the agency, calling it a “tremendous fraud” and undermining its programs. This inconsistency raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to global development efforts, despite earlier endorsements from both Melania and Ivanka Trump who led initiatives to empower women internationally.
Former First Lady Melania Trump, during her 2018 tour of Africa, praised programs supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), highlighting their impact on education and economic opportunities. Melania expressed her commitment to addressing global issues, stating, “We care, and we want to show the world that we care, and I’ve partnered and am working with USAID.” Her visit included distribution of school supplies under her “BeBest” initiative and emphasizing the value of American investments abroad.
In stark contrast, President Donald Trump has since labeled USAID as a “tremendous fraud,” asserting that it mismanages taxpayer money and supports projects without adequate oversight. During this time, the White House released a memo criticizing the agency, suggesting it has operated with minimal accountability. This represents a significant departure from Melania Trump’s earlier support of USAID, which she described as successful in countries like Malawi.
On her trip, Melania participated in USAID initiatives that distributed millions of textbooks and explored projects aimed at preserving Egypt’s historical sites. A former USAID official noted that her engagement with these projects was sincere and impactful. They expressed concern over President Trump’s decision to undermine the agency’s work, calling it politically motivated and misinformed.
Additionally, Ivanka Trump, as a senior adviser, launched the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” Initiative, aiming to empower women in developing countries through USAID collaboration. She linked gender equality to national security, stating, “It is in our domestic security interests to empower women.” This initiative, which included financial support for women-led businesses in Africa, highlights the positive use of USAID funds that the Trumps had previously promoted but now face cuts under the current administration.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has prioritized curbing diversity-focused initiatives across the government and recently placed most USAID staff on administrative leave. This action highlights a broader strategy to limit federal support for previously endorsed programs, contradicting the earlier efforts of the Trump family to enhance USAID’s mission both globally and in terms of national security.
In summary, the events surrounding USAID illustrate the stark contrast between the Trump administration’s original endorsement of the agency’s programs and the recent critical stance taken by President Trump. While Melania and Ivanka Trump previously championed USAID’s initiatives to support education and women’s empowerment, the current administration’s actions signal a significant reduction in support for these essential programs. This shift underscores the complex interplay between political considerations and humanitarian efforts in U.S. foreign policy.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
