Trump’s harsh criticism of USAID as a ‘tremendous fraud’ contrasts sharply with the support voiced by his wife and daughter, who previously praised its programs during their international engagements. Melania and Ivanka Trump underscored the agency’s positive impact on education and women’s empowerment, showing a significant contradiction within the family dynamics in relation to U.S. foreign aid policies.
Former President Donald Trump referred to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a “tremendous fraud,” contradicting the supportive views expressed by his wife, Melania Trump, and daughter, Ivanka Trump. During her 2018 tour of Africa, Melania praised USAID programs, emphasizing the importance of American investment abroad to promote education and opportunity. For instance, she highlighted successful literacy initiatives in Malawi, where she directly engaged with children benefitting from these programs.
In contrast, Trump’s administration aimed to dismantle USAID’s initiatives, suggesting that the agency misdirected taxpayer funds with inadequate oversight. This position starkly opposed Melania Trump’s earlier acclaim, where she reiterated the impact of USAID’s work on improving societal conditions globally. A former USAID official noted the disheartening nature of the Trump administration’s actions against the agency that should be supported for its beneficial programs.
The ongoing tension between the Trump administration’s criticism of USAID and the prior praises from Melania and Ivanka Trump highlights a significant disconnect within the Trump family regarding foreign aid. While Melania and Ivanka previously celebrated USAID’s efforts, Donald Trump’s stance now emphasizes dismantling these initiatives, raising concerns about the future of American investment in global development. The policy shifts threaten to undermine decades of work aimed at empowering disadvantaged populations worldwide.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
