Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed key congressional committees that he has appointed Pete Marocco as the acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Marocco, a Trump appointee who previously served at USAID during the president's first term, has been tasked with leading the agency.
In a letter addressed to the heads of congressional committees on foreign affairs and appropriations, Rubio stated that he has authorized Marocco to review and potentially reorganize USAID's activities to enhance efficiency and align operations with the national interest.
Marocco, who also holds the position of the State Department's head of foreign assistance, has faced criticism from aid groups and officials for his alleged role in dismantling the organization. He was involved in drafting a directive that led to a significant reduction in foreign aid, prompting concerns about the impact on global assistance programs.
One aid official expressed concerns about Marocco's actions, stating that he appears to be well-versed in the system and is actively working to dismantle it. The official highlighted the need for transparency and collaboration in any reorganization efforts to ensure that USAID's mission and effectiveness are not compromised.
Rubio emphasized that consultations with Congress and relevant committees will be conducted to facilitate the reorganization and potential absorption of certain bureaus, offices, and missions of USAID by the Department of State and other pertinent entities. The goal of this process is to streamline operations, improve coordination, and better serve the national interest.
As the transition of authority takes place, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments at USAID to assess the impact of the reorganization on the agency's ability to fulfill its mandate and support global development initiatives.
