The Benefits of USAID and the Risks of Defunding

When we think about foreign aid, it’s easy to imagine it as just charity. But in reality, it’s a powerful investment—one that helps both the world and the United States in more ways than we might realize. USAID (United States Agency for International Development) isn’t just about helping people in need; it’s about creating a safer, more prosperous world that benefits us all. But what happens if we take it away? The risks of defunding USAID could be more significant than we expect.

Why USAID Matters

1. Promoting Stability in Fragile Regions

Imagine living in a country where conflict and poverty are everyday realities. USAID helps stabilize these regions by addressing root causes like hunger, lack of education, and weak governance. When people have opportunities and support, they are less likely to turn to extremism or be drawn into violence (Council on Foreign Relations, 2025). USAID has been instrumental in fostering democracy and stability in emerging nations, which in turn makes the world safer for everyone—including us.

2. Strengthening the U.S. Economy

Many people don’t realize that foreign aid directly benefits the American economy. Developing nations that receive USAID funding often become strong trade partners. In fact, more than half of U.S. exports go to developing countries (Pew Research Center, 2025). When these countries grow, they buy more American goods, creating jobs and boosting industries right here at home. It’s a win-win situation—helping others leads to economic opportunities for us.

3. Strengthening U.S. Diplomacy and Global Influence

Being a global leader isn’t just about military power—it’s also about influence. Providing aid to struggling nations strengthens our diplomatic ties and makes the U.S. a respected global partner. When we invest in countries through USAID, they are more likely to support U.S. policies and work with us on international issues (Council on Foreign Relations, 2025). This kind of goodwill can’t be bought with force; it has to be earned through meaningful relationships.

4. Preventing Global Health Crises

COVID-19 reminded us that health crises don’t stay within borders. USAID has been crucial in preventing and controlling pandemics, distributing vaccines, and strengthening healthcare systems worldwide. Programs like PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) have saved millions of lives (Associated Press, 2025). Without funding for global health initiatives, we risk new outbreaks that could quickly spread and impact us all.

5. Fighting Climate Change and Protecting Resources

Climate change isn’t just a foreign problem—it affects us all. USAID invests in clean energy, sustainable farming, and conservation efforts that protect natural resources and reduce carbon emissions (USAID, n.d.). From helping farmers adapt to changing weather to protecting forests that absorb CO2, these efforts benefit both the planet and future generations.

What Happens if USAID is Defunded?

1. Economic Backlash

Cutting USAID funding would disrupt global markets and reduce opportunities for American businesses. Developing nations that receive U.S. aid often become economic powerhouses, but without support, their growth stalls—meaning fewer customers for U.S. exports (Associated Press, 2025). In contrast, China has been increasing its foreign aid efforts, filling the gap left by the U.S. and gaining influence in key regions.

2. Rising Instability and Security Threats

History has shown that economic hardship fuels extremism. Without USAID, struggling countries could become breeding grounds for terrorism, organized crime, and mass migrations, leading to more global conflicts (Associated Press, 2025). Foreign aid is one of the most effective tools in preventing these crises before they spiral out of control.

3. Increased Military Costs

Investing in diplomacy and economic support is far cheaper than sending troops. USAID programs help stabilize regions through development and governance support, preventing conflicts that would otherwise require military intervention (The Guardian, 2025). Cutting these programs now could mean spending billions later in military responses and emergency aid efforts.

The Bigger Picture: Why Investing in Foreign Countries Helps Us All

1. A Stronger Global Economy Means a Stronger America

In a world that is more connected than ever, economic stability abroad directly affects us at home. Foreign aid fosters growth in developing nations, creating new markets for U.S. businesses. This results in job creation, technological innovation, and better trade opportunities (World Bank, n.d.).

2. Maintaining U.S. Leadership on the Global Stage

If the U.S. steps back from foreign aid, other nations will step in. China has already expanded its influence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through financial aid and infrastructure projects (The Guardian, 2025). Maintaining leadership in global affairs requires strategic investment, not withdrawal.

3. Keeping Prices Low for American Consumers

Many goods we rely on—food, electronics, clothing—are produced through global supply chains that depend on economic stability abroad. When countries collapse due to lack of support, supply chains break down, driving up prices for everyday goods (Express-News, 2025). By ensuring stability, we also help keep costs manageable for American families.

Conclusion

USAID isn’t just about helping others—it’s about protecting and advancing American interests. From strengthening the economy to maintaining global security, its programs are a smart investment in our future. Defunding USAID would be short-sighted, leading to instability, lost economic opportunities, and higher long-term costs. Instead of cutting foreign aid, we should recognize its value and continue supporting the programs that make the world—and America—a better place.

References

Associated Press. (2025, February 27). Trump's permanent USAID cuts slam humanitarian programs worldwide: 'We are being pushed off a cliff'. https://apnews.com/article/dbaf0e89d72938caabee8251f7dfb4a7

Council on Foreign Relations. (2025). What is USAID and why does it matter? https://www.cfr.org/article/what-usaid-and-why-it-risk

Express-News. (2025). Impact of USAID funding cuts on U.S. economy. https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/usaid-texas-cuts-impact-20178240.php

Pew Research Center. (2025). What the data says about U.S. foreign aid. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/06/what-the-data-says-about-us-foreign-aid

The Guardian. (2025, February 27). Foreign aid cuts pose risks to global stability and U.S. national security. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/feb/27/donald-trump-cuts-elon-musk-keir-starmer-ukraine-latest-updates

USAID. (n.d.). USAID programs and global development. Retrieved from https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/global-health

World Bank. (n.d.). Trade as a driver of economic growth. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/brief/trade-has-been-a-powerful-driver-of-economic-development-and-poverty-reduction