In January 2017, shortly after President Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) faced an unprecedented crisis. On Inauguration Day, Trump signed a controversial order pausing all foreign aid without clear guidance, resulting in chaos within the agency. Employees were instructed to cease all project work globally, and communication with aid groups was banned, leaving many in dire situations.
Jason Gray, hastily appointed as U.S.A.I.D.'s acting administrator, found himself thrust into a leadership role under harrowing conditions. Despite an optimistic start, urging staff to embrace new opportunities under Trump’s administration, the situation escalated quickly. Forces within the agency began pushing back against mandates they deemed dangerous, leading to serious concerns about insubordination.
As efforts to comply with Trump’s "America First" policy clashed with U.S.A.I.D.'s global mission, key personnel, including Pete Marocco and Clayton Cromer, became involved in a contentious restructuring process. In just fourteen days, the agency faced profound setbacks, halting projects that served millions around the world and sending hundreds of dedicated staff home.
Amidst the turmoil, the internal shift at U.S.A.I.D. signified a broader change in U.S. foreign policy and a challenge to the future of international aid efforts.
Jason Gray, hastily appointed as U.S.A.I.D.'s acting administrator, found himself thrust into a leadership role under harrowing conditions. Despite an optimistic start, urging staff to embrace new opportunities under Trump’s administration, the situation escalated quickly. Forces within the agency began pushing back against mandates they deemed dangerous, leading to serious concerns about insubordination.
As efforts to comply with Trump’s "America First" policy clashed with U.S.A.I.D.'s global mission, key personnel, including Pete Marocco and Clayton Cromer, became involved in a contentious restructuring process. In just fourteen days, the agency faced profound setbacks, halting projects that served millions around the world and sending hundreds of dedicated staff home.
Amidst the turmoil, the internal shift at U.S.A.I.D. signified a broader change in U.S. foreign policy and a challenge to the future of international aid efforts.
