USAID closure would weaken US influence worldwide — US senator

The US would lose global influence and leadership if the Agency for International Development shuts down, New Jersey Senator Andy Kim said.

US President Donald Trump’s actions are "weakening American global leadership and influence," Kim, a Democrat, told Bloomberg.

"Our assistance abroad helps fight disease and stop starvation and famine, but it’s also a tool to stave off the expansionist reach of authoritarian leaders in China, Russia, and Iran," he said.

According to the Bloomberg report, a closure of USAID could have broad ramifications, such as fueling migration. One Chinese official told the news service that the US withdrawal from foreign aid is an "act of self-sabotage that could cut Washington off from potential partners."

Elon Musk earlier said USAID will be shut down permanently. The Washington Post reported that the agency's headquarters in Washington would be shuttered from February 3, with most employees working remotely.

USAID is an independent US government agency set up to provide assistance to other countries. Established in 1961, it answers to the president, the US secretary of state and the National Security Council. According to its charter, USAID's main objectives are support for economy, health care, education and democracy, along with emergency humanitarian assistance and facilitating US international policy goals worldwide.