It is with a heavy heart that we mark the passing of USAID, an institution that once stood as a beacon of hope and partnership in global development. USAID tragically succumbed on February 1, 2025, to wounds inflicted by Executive Orders and State Department actions, marking the end of its remarkable six-decade-long legacy.
USAID, born in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy’s administration, was founded with a noble mission: to promote economic and social development worldwide. For over 60 years, the agency pioneered the fight against poverty, fostered sustainable development, and advanced democracy, health, and human rights globally. It played a vital role in building a more just, prosperous world.
In recent weeks, USAID’s health sharply declined, signaling its unfortunate end. The unexpected freeze of its funding on January 20th, followed by financial paralysis on January 27th, dealt critical blows to ongoing projects and essential aid efforts. With the agency’s payment system and website going offline and the removal of USAID seals from its Washington, D.C., headquarters, the final nail in the coffin was its full integration into the U.S. Department of State.
These actions represent more than administrative restructuring; they reflect a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to international development. The consequences will be felt by millions who benefited from USAID’s transformative programs, which exemplified American values of generosity and solidarity.
As we mourn the end of this era, we must also celebrate the profound impact that USAID made. From fighting HIV/AIDS, famine, and natural disasters to empowering women, supporting democratic governance, and fostering economic growth in emerging markets, USAID’s contributions will forever leave their mark.
Though today marks the conclusion of USAID’s chapter, its legacy lives on. Let us honor USAID’s vision by continuing to champion the values it upheld. In its memory, may we all strive to build a more prosperous, equitable world—one that reflects the spirit and mission that guided USAID throughout its existence.
