On Jan. 20, the day he was inaugurated, President Trump signed an executive order that paused U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days, sending seismic waves across the globe. This suspension meant the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the largest international humanitarian aid entity, wouldn’t be able to continue doing what they do best—saving the developing world. The harsh reality is that the world needs this aid that is being put on hold and due to its termination, hundreds of thousands of people aren’t receiving necessary care, leading to fatal circumstances. On the other hand, there are serious legal implications of this executive order as the president is outrightly breaching the Constitution. His actions are spiraling out of control, presenting the country with a constitutional crisis.
Formed in the early 1960s under President John F. Kennedy, USAID has been etched into the U.S. Constitution for nearly seven decades. It has a large presence across the world with bases in over 60 countries, making the U.S. the biggest spender on international development. From detecting and addressing famines in developing countries to stopping the spread of diseases, USAID has a tremendous impact. An example of the scope of its actions is its funding for The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which helps combat HIV and AIDS outbreaks across the world. Since its inception, PEPFAR alone has saved 26 million lives—just a fraction of the impact made possible by USAID’s $21.7 billion annual budget
However, after Trump’s executive order, all humanitarian organizations that received USAID funding were required to be put on hold, and people worldwide immediately felt the wrath of this stern action. In Myanmar, a country that is historically susceptible to Malaria outbreaks, the delivery of tests and drugs has stopped, exponentially increasing infections. Across the world, the transportation of necessary drugs, food reaching countries in famine and the development of smaller emerging nations, have been completely stopped. But, these short-term consequences are only the beginning. Without USAID’s support, health systems, economies and political institutions in developing nations could begin to unravel. These long-term threats will continue to haunt people across the world as, namely, the medical aid that USAID provides is terminated. “When they’re [USAID] not there to help contain outbreaks in other countries, it will, in the future, create a much bigger problem for everyone around the world if that becomes a pandemic just like COVID-19 did,” senior Liliana Katz-Hollander said.
Furthermore, Trump’s elimination of the entity is extremely problematic as he did so without the approval of Congress, an act deemed unconstitutional. With Article I and Article II of the Constitution and past Supreme Court ruling precedents arguing against his actions, it is clear that Trump is overriding the power allocated to the executive branch. “Dismantling USAID shows a blatant disregard for checks and balances, which are a big cornerstone of American democracy,” Katz-Hollander said. Rightfully so, the next step would be going to the Supreme Court, where this order would be argued for its constitutionality and viability. With a conservative-majority bench, this ruling could be unpredictable, and the implications could be tremendously negative. “What the courts ultimately rule would be very significant. But, I mean, courts are courts. They’re just people. They’re not some godly thing, so they can just say whatever they want,” AP U.S. History teacher Nathaniel Mason said. If the courts fail to strike the order down, it would set an extremely dangerous precedent, allowing future presidents to do as they please without congressional approval.
Trump’s decision also has far-reaching political and economic consequences, an example of his administration’s aggressive governance style. With presidential appointee, Elon Musk, at the helm of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the mass layoffs within USAID are also widely viewed as unnecessary and unethical. Together, Musk and Trump are removing numerous experienced professionals dedicated to allocating funds efficiently to humanitarian aid. However, the suspension and defunding of USAID is simultaneously counterintuitive to the “cost-cutting” measures that DOGE and Trump’s office is trying to employ. “The main purpose of USAID isn’t to help countries—it’s to serve as an institution of American soft power, so the U.S. can build its influence in third-world countries as part of neo-imperialism,” said Mr. Mason. Ironically, by gutting USAID under the guise of efficiency, Trump and Musk are actively working against American interests, weakening U.S. influence abroad while increasing global instability. Their reckless approach not only exposes their lack of true economic and geopolitical understanding but also underscores the dangers of unchecked executive power.
Trump’s executive order to suspend USAID is a reckless political maneuver that directly challenges the Constitution. The decision not only oversteps legal boundaries but also worsens health crises, and weakens U.S. influence abroad. As Trump and Musk push aggressive policies under the guise of efficiency, they fail to recognize the long-term consequences of their actions. “The U.S. government is so composed of people who are entirely unqualified for the jobs they’re holding,” Katz-Hollander said. If this overreach goes unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent, undermining institutions that have long been pillars of U.S. leadership. With Trump continually pushing out one aggressive policy after the other, we are undeniably in the midst of a constitutional crisis.
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