State Department will absorb remaining USAID programming as independent agency is dismantled

Fox News - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on Fox News

The State Department is set to absorb the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), marking the end of USAID as an independent entity. This decision, outlined in an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, will lead to the termination of over 4,650 USAID jobs and the cancellation of more than 80% of its programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appointed by President Donald Trump as acting USAID administrator, announced the merger as part of a strategic move to streamline U.S. foreign aid operations, ensuring they align with national interests. The transition will begin with USAID employees receiving notices of termination, with separation dates scheduled between July and September.

The merger comes amid broader government efficiency efforts spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. USAID faced criticism for programs deemed misaligned with the Trump administration's priorities, such as diversity initiatives in Serbia and Ireland. The restructuring reflects a shift towards foreign aid programs that more closely align with U.S. interests, aiming to enhance efficiency and strategic impact. This development holds significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, potentially altering the landscape of international aid and diplomatic relations.

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RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article addresses a timely and significant topic, focusing on the merger between USAID and the State Department under the Trump administration. It presents a clear and engaging narrative that highlights the potential impacts on U.S. foreign aid policy. However, the story's reliance on a single source, lack of diverse perspectives, and absence of direct evidence detract from its overall accuracy and balance. While the article is accessible and engaging, it could benefit from additional context and verification to enhance its credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Overall, the story offers valuable insights into ongoing government changes but requires further substantiation and perspective to fully inform readers.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several key claims that require verification, such as the State Department absorbing USAID operations and the appointment of Marco Rubio as acting administrator. While these claims are plausible, the lack of external corroboration within the article raises questions about their verifiability. The story mentions a memo and statements from individuals like Jeremy Lewin and Marco Rubio, but it does not provide direct access to these documents or quotes, making it difficult to assess their authenticity. Additionally, the claim about Elon Musk's involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seems speculative without additional supporting evidence. Overall, while some elements of the story are likely accurate, the lack of direct evidence and reliance on a single source (Fox News Digital) detracts from its factual precision.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the Trump administration and its officials, such as Marco Rubio and Jeremy Lewin. It lacks viewpoints from USAID employees, independent experts, or critics of the merger, which could provide a more balanced view of the situation. The story's focus on the administration's rationale for the merger and the supposed inefficiencies of USAID suggests a potential bias towards the government's narrative. By not including dissenting opinions or the potential negative impacts of the merger, the article may present a skewed perspective that favors the administration's actions.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of information, with a logical flow that outlines the key developments regarding the USAID and State Department merger. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it relatively easy for readers to understand the main points. However, the story could benefit from additional context or background information on USAID's role and the implications of the merger, which would enhance reader comprehension and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

4
Source quality

The primary source of information in the article is Fox News Digital, which is known for its conservative slant. The article references an internal USAID memo and statements from government officials, but it does not provide direct access to these documents or quotes. The lack of diverse sources or independent verification from other news outlets raises concerns about the reliability and impartiality of the reporting. Moreover, the story's reliance on unnamed sources, such as a 'State Department senior official,' further diminishes the credibility of the information presented.

5
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methodology used to obtain the internal USAID memo or the criteria for selecting the quotes and information included. While it mentions statements from government officials, it does not provide context on how these statements were obtained or whether there were any conflicts of interest. The lack of transparency regarding the sources and the absence of direct access to the cited documents make it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality and accuracy of the claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/usaid-website-goes-dark-amid-trump-administrations-freeze-on-foreign-aid-worldwide
  2. https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-02-02-u1-e197721-s27061-nid296572-eeuu-departamento-estado-toma-control-total-usaid
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vD7YUQLUwo
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/judge-orders-reinstatement-usaid-functions-doge-effort-shutter-agency-likely-unconstitutional
  5. https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/how-usaid-went-woke-destroyed-itself