Trump Administration Lobbies Allies for UN 'Trade Over Aid' Declaration
The Trump administration has directed U.S. diplomats worldwide to lobby international allies for support of a "trade over aid" declaration at the United Nations. According to a diplomatic cable reviewed by Reuters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed envoys to secure signatures by April 20, aiming to overhaul how Washington distributes billions in foreign assistance. The initiative reflects President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, arguing that traditional aid creates dependencies and fails to serve U.S. interests. Instead, the administration promotes mutually profitable business relationships and pro-business reforms as pathways to prosperity. Officials claim the old aid system is rife with waste and supports a corrupt NGO industrial complex. While the State Department asserts that free-market capitalism is the surest path to development, the move has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups. Critics, including representatives from the Rockefeller Foundation, argue that prioritizing corporate enrichment over immediate humanitarian relief betrays American values and compromises national security. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing private sector engagement and reduced barriers to capital rather than direct developmental aid.
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Trump Administration Lobbies Allies for UN 'Trade Over Aid' Declaration
The Trump administration has directed U.S. diplomats worldwide to lobby international allies for support of a "trade over aid" declaration at the United Nations. According to a diplomatic cable reviewed by Reuters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed envoys to secure signatures by April 20, aiming to overhaul how Washington distributes billions in foreign assistance. The initiative reflects President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, arguing that traditional aid creates dependencies and fails to serve U.S. interests. Instead, the administration promotes mutually profitable business relationships and pro-business reforms as pathways to prosperity. Officials claim the old aid system is rife with waste and supports a corrupt NGO industrial complex. While the State Department asserts that free-market capitalism is the surest path to development, the move has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups. Critics, including representatives from the Rockefeller Foundation, argue that prioritizing corporate enrichment over immediate humanitarian relief betrays American values and compromises national security. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing private sector engagement and reduced barriers to capital rather than direct developmental aid.
The Straits Times World News