State Department Absorbs USAID Operations

The State Department is absorbing USAID operations, resulting in cuts for thousands of employees. President Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to oversee the merger.

Dismantling of USAID by Trump Administration

The Trump administration has been dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with employees being fired and contracts canceled, leading to concerns about loss of life and impact on global humanitarian efforts.

Federal Judge Orders Temporary Lift on Trump Administration's Funding Freeze on U.S. Aid Programs

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift a three-week funding freeze on U.S. aid and development programs worldwide after a lawsuit brought by health organizations. The freeze had forced USAID and State Department contractors to stop providing humanitarian aid and lay off staff. The judge also extended an order halting the dismantling of USAID and U.S. aid programs abroad.

USAID Layoffs Under Trump Administration

The Trump administration plans to lay off almost all of USAID's staff of nearly 13,000, impacting the agency responsible for U.S. foreign assistance.

Catholic Relief Services facing massive cuts due to reductions in U.S. foreign assistance

Catholic Relief Services is facing massive cuts of up to 50% due to reductions in U.S. foreign assistance ordered by the Trump administration. Layoffs have already begun, impacting all divisions and departments of CRS. The cuts are expected to have devastating effects on the organization's ability to provide humanitarian aid worldwide.

Trump administration places USAID employees on administrative leave

Trump administration places more than 50 civil career servants and foreign service officers at USAID on administrative leave, citing actions to circumvent executive orders. Former officials criticize the move as intimidating and fear-instilling.

U.S. Financial Support for Wars in Ukraine and Gaza

The episode explores the debate around U.S. financial support for wars in Ukraine and Gaza, discussing taxpayer contributions, foreign assistance, and arms sales. It delves into the complexities of calculating the average taxpayer's contribution to these conflicts.