USSC Briefing Room

Since President Trump took office for a second time on 20 January 2025, he has driven an unprecedented level of sweeping governmental change. One of the first and most drastic changes was to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The Trump administration has cancelled the majority USAID contracts, eliminated 1,600 positions and almost the entire workforce is on administrative leave.

What is USAID and why was it a target for major cuts by Trump? Are these changes permissible within the powers of the Executive branch? What impacts could this have globally?

USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joins Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. Munson formerly served as Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID.

You may also like Leter Munson’s recent write-up The new game in aid: Deal power.
 
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Produced by: Elliott Brennan
Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What is USSC Briefing Room?

The USSC Briefing Room is a podcast from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. It gives you a seat at the table for a briefing on the latest US news and foreign policy. Co-hosts Mari Koeck, Jared Mondschein and Victoria Cooper talk to experts to cover what you need to know and what's beneath the surface of the news.