The U.S. State Department has formally notified Congress of its plan to reorganize the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), leading to the termination of nearly all remaining staff. Despite the restructuring, former President Donald Trump assured that the U.S. will continue providing aid to Myanmar following a recent earthquake.

USAID, established in 1961, has been a key agency for delivering humanitarian assistance and development aid in over 120 countries. The decision to dismantle it has raised concerns among experts and former officials, who warn that it could weaken America's global influence and humanitarian efforts. Critics argue that merging USAID into the State Department may compromise the effectiveness of foreign aid programs.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also acting as the head of USAID, stated that while foreign assistance serves national interests, the agency’s costs and limited impact made the restructuring necessary. He assured that essential programs would continue under the State Department.

The decision follows a legal battle in which a federal appeals court lifted a previous order blocking the administration from implementing further cuts. The ruling allowed the government to move forward with its plan to integrate USAID’s functions into the State Department.

The move has faced opposition from the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which warns that eliminating USAID could harm U.S. national security and development efforts. Many humanitarian groups also fear that the shift could reduce the country's ability to respond effectively to global crises.

As the transition takes place, concerns remain about how the U.S. will maintain its role in global humanitarian efforts and international development.