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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Former President Donald Trump is working to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it wasteful and ideologically driven
• His administration has already frozen foreign aid and plans to reduce the agency’s 10,000-strong workforce to fewer than 300
• Experts warn that eliminating USAID would create a power vacuum that China is ready to exploit
🔭 The context: USAID was founded in 1961 to counter Soviet influence and has since promoted global economic and social development
The agency has helped stabilize regions, reduced migration, and supported U.S. economic interests
Critics argue that its elimination would weaken American global leadership and reduce the U.S.'s ability to compete with China
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: USAID has played a key role in global health, food security, and climate resilience, including programs that support clean energy
• Ending these initiatives could disrupt sustainability efforts and economic development in vulnerable regions
• China, already dominant in renewable energy, could use this opportunity to expand its geopolitical influence
⏭️ What's next: With USAID’s future uncertain, China is likely to strengthen ties with developing nations through infrastructure investments and climate leadership
• While Trump’s allies argue dismantling USAID will prevent dependence on China, others believe it hands Beijing a strategic advantage
• The outcome will shape U.S. influence and global aid dynamics for years to come
💬 One quote: "Trump has probably done more to make China great again in two weeks than Xi has managed to do in his own right in over a decade." – Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at SOAS
📈 One stat: The Trump administration plans to cut USAID’s 10,000 employees down to fewer than 300
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