Elissa Miolene

Elissa Miolene

Elissa Miolene reports on USAID and the U.S. government at Devex. She previously covered education at The San Jose Mercury News, and has written for outlets like The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Washingtonian magazine, among others. Before shifting to journalism, Elissa led communications for humanitarian agencies in the United States, East Africa, and South Asia.

Latest Articles

USIP lawyers warn Trump administration’s 10-year deal breaks court orders

USIP lawyers warn Trump administration’s 10-year deal breaks court orders

about 9 hours ago // The Trump Effect

The warning came amidst reports that hundreds of State Department staff may be moving into the U.S. Institute of Peace building, which is largely expected to house Trump's Board of Peace.

Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine’ redraws US foreign aid map

Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine’ redraws US foreign aid map

about 23 hours ago // The Future of US Aid

The strategy channels 40% of U.S. aid to the Western Hemisphere and East Asia, and ties foreign assistance to security, trade, and loyalty.

USDA takes over Food for Peace with $452M World Food Programme deal

USDA takes over Food for Peace with $452M World Food Programme deal

1 day ago // The Future of US Aid

The agreement with WFP steers U.S.-grown commodities through an "America First" foreign aid approach — one that will lead to bulk purchases by March.

Exclusive: Tessie San Martin to step down from FHI 360's helm

Exclusive: Tessie San Martin to step down from FHI 360's helm

3 days ago // NGOs

San Martin will be stepping down from her role this calendar year, though she will continue to serve as the organization’s chief executive officer until a successor has been identified.

Davos Dispatch: A blizzard of development news in the Alps

Davos Dispatch: A blizzard of development news in the Alps

7 days ago // Devex Newswire

From blockchain humanitarian aid to Africa’s assistance reset, here’s what moved the development world during the final days of the World Economic Forum.

Next steps for the Accra Reset announced at Davos

Next steps for the Accra Reset announced at Davos

7 days ago // Davos 2026

Ghana’s President John Mahama has unveiled a global secretariat, a high-level health reform panel, and a coalition of political heavyweights backing a push to reduce aid dependence.

United Nations taps blockchain to speed up aid

United Nations taps blockchain to speed up aid

7 days ago // Humanitarian

With $38 billion in humanitarian funds stuck in traditional banking systems, the U.N. and Circle Foundation are hoping stablecoins and blockchain technology can get money to conflict zones faster, safer, and directly into recipients’ hands.

Sen. Coons expects Senate to pass, Trump to sign $50B aid budget bill

Sen. Coons expects Senate to pass, Trump to sign $50B aid budget bill

8 days ago // The Future of US Aid

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Democratic senator said he is hopeful that lawmakers will pass — and Trump will sign — a multimillion-dollar foreign aid funding bill currently being discussed on Capitol Hill.

Billionaire wealth grows 3 times faster than ever before, Oxfam warns

Billionaire wealth grows 3 times faster than ever before, Oxfam warns

8 days ago // Economic development

As the richest pile up trillions, Oxfam warns their growing fortunes are translating into outsized political power.

After USAID, Food for Peace enters a new and uncertain chapter

After USAID, Food for Peace enters a new and uncertain chapter

9 days ago // The Future of US Aid

A temporary agreement moves Food for Peace to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising questions about whether the shift will alter the program’s core mission and whether the agency can manage its scale.