The Trump administration plans to merge the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the US Department of State following recent upheaval.
According to CBS News, the merger entails a significant cut in USAID's funding and staff, but the agency will maintain its role as an aid organization.
The White House has not yet commented on the reported plan, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he would serve as the agency's acting director to align its objectives with the administration's goals.
Rubio criticized USAID for being unresponsive to State Department directives, stating that it must be in sync with American foreign policy.
The specific details of how this merger will be executed remain unclear.
The decision comes after Elon Musk's claims that the agency would be shut down, although President Trump's position on the matter has been less definitive.
Musk, heading the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), has been vocal about reorganizing USAID, a move that raises legal questions due to his lack of governmental authority.
Despite Musk's efforts, the agency, established by US Congress, plays a crucial role in distributing aid worldwide, impacting various non-governmental organizations and humanitarian groups.
Efforts to potentially place USAID more directly under Secretary Rubio's supervision are being considered, marking a significant shift in the agency's operations.