A controversial Trump-era appointee who led the charge in dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has quietly left the U.S. State Department, according to official reports. The departure of Pete Marocco, who oversaw sweeping cuts to U.S. foreign aid programs, comes less than three months into his tenure and amid rising criticism from lawmakers and humanitarian groups.
🔍 Who Is Pete Marocco?
Pete Marocco, appointed under former President Donald Trump, had become a key figure in reshaping America’s foreign aid strategy. His tenure was marked by
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Slashing over 83% of USAID’s operational programs
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Redirecting focus from global humanitarian missions to “government efficiency”
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Promoting what he called a “leaner, results-based aid system”
💣 Fallout From USAID Dismantling
Under Morocco’s watch, major humanitarian projects lost U.S. funding—including critical food and disaster relief programs in regions like
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Yemen
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Afghanistan
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Lebanon
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Somalia
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Syria
The U.N. World Food Program described the U.S. cuts as a "death sentence" for millions suffering from hunger and displacement.
🏛️ Political and Public Backlash
Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize Morocco’s approach. Senator Brian Schatz called his policies “reckless and unlawful,” accusing him of damaging America’s global humanitarian credibility.
While no official reason has been given for his departure, some sources suggest internal pressure from both State Department staff and international backlash may have played a role.
🌍 What’s Next for U.S. Foreign Aid?
With USAID's core functions now absorbed by the State Department, the future of U.S. global aid remains uncertain. While some aid cuts have recently been reversed, many organizations fear that the U.S.'s leadership in international humanitarian efforts has already suffered long-term damage.
This leadership change could open the door to new policies—but it’s unclear whether they will restore trust or further distance the U.S. from its once-critical global aid role.
Tags:
USAID dismantling, Pete Marocco's resignation, Trump official leaves State Department, USAID shutdown 2025, U.S. foreign aid cuts, USAID controversy, World Food Program aid cut, US humanitarian policy, Biden reverses Trump aid cuts, global aid crisis
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