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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s foreign aid selections may redefine U.S. global development. But who might be in the driver’s seat? As USAID and others brace for change, even Elon Musk’s unpredictable influence could be a curveball. We have a handy guide to all the possible picks.
Also in today’s edition: We are on the final round of talks on the global treaty to end plastic pollution, and we have a guide on how to survive layoffs.
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As Trump fills his Cabinet with loyalists and firebrands, all eyes in the foreign assistance community are on his pick to lead USAID. This decision feels especially pivotal, as it could signal either a push for U.S. global development leadership or a mandate to overhaul and downsize the agency.
Trump has no shortage of candidates — think World Food Programme heavyweight David Beasley and outspoken reformer Max Primorac, a former USAID senior official. And it's not just USAID on the line. Leadership roles at the International Development Finance Corporation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and beyond are up for grabs. Add to this Trump’s penchant for unpredictability and the stage is set for a shake-up in U.S. foreign aid.
Devex Senior Reporter Michael Igoe has put together a handy who’s who to guide you through all the contenders.
Among them is Sean Cairncross, former CEO of MCC and deputy assistant to Trump. His nomination to lead MCC during Trump’s first term languished in the Senate, leaving the agency without a confirmed leader for over two years.
And then there’s Elon Musk. Whether as Trump’s “government efficiency” czar or wild card, his shadow looms large. Musk’s history of social media spats and headline-grabbing stunts ensures he’ll bring his own brand of chaos to the table. Will his influence reshape foreign aid, or simply spark more feuds on Twitter? — sorry, X! Time will tell.
Trump’s next moves will define the future of U.S. foreign assistance. There are many contenders, the stakes are high, and the world is watching.
Read: Return to Trumpworld —who will shape US aid policy? (Pro)
ICYMI: What we do and don't know about Trump's US aid plans (Pro)
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Plastic: Not so fantastic
Fresh from climate negotiations at COP29 in Azerbaijan, diplomats are now gathered in Busan, South Korea, for their final round of talks on a potentially binding global treaty to end plastic pollution. The stakes are high, and the challenges steep: Nations remain divided over whether to curb plastic production entirely or focus on managing waste. A 17-page draft aims to streamline discussions, but many doubt whether consensus can be reached by week’s end, Devex contributing reporter Stéphanie Fillion writes.
Adding complexity, lobbyists from the plastics and fossil fuel industries are pushing for voluntary solutions, while some countries, including the U.S., seem to be wavering on ambitious commitments. Furthermore, the return of Trump to the White House looms over proceedings, potentially shaking U.S. leadership on global environmental agreements.
Read: Treaty far from guaranteed at final UN plastic pollution negotiations
No strategy, no future
The United Kingdom has “no strategy” to deliver aid for children, according to a scathing UNICEF UK report. Years of “devastating” budget cuts, worse than those in other sectors, have pushed the country off its pedestal as a global leader in children’s rights and well-being, Devex U.K. Correspondent Rob Merrick writes.
“If this government is serious about its claim of ‘Britain back in the world,’ and in playing a leading role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it needs to rethink its approach to its aid budget,” Joanna Rea, UNICEF UK’s advocacy director, says.
Read: UK has ‘no strategy’ for child-focused aid after cuts, UNICEF warns
+ Catch up on all the latest news in U.K. aid.
Lay of the layoff land
2024 has been tough for NGOs and aid agencies such as Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee, with budget cuts leading to layoffs and hiring freezes. For many in global development, it feels like the job market is tougher than ever, Devex contributor Rebecca Root writes. But we have the advice of experts Claire Mahon, Kate Roberts, and Lois Freeke to help you come out stronger.
• Don’t panic. It’s tempting to fire off job applications when redundancy hits, but resist the urge to panic-apply. Instead, take a moment to think about your next move. Applying to jobs you don’t want or aren’t suited for can backfire.
• Reflect. Redundancy can be a blessing in disguise. Ask yourself: Is this the kind of work you want to do? If burnout or financial instability is creeping in, this might be the moment to explore other paths. For those ready to move on, transferable skills are your ticket to new opportunities.
• Polish that CV. Highlight your successes, add new skills, and tailor it for your target roles. Don’t forget to collect references and work samples while you’re at it.
Read: What to do if your job is being affected by org cuts (Career)
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The money in philanthropy
Philanthropy is getting a facelift, with a rising demand for transparency and accountability. Leaders such as Tsitsi Masiyiwa of Higherlife Foundation and Rimjhim Dey of DEY Ideas + Influence are spotlighting how openness is transforming trust and change in the sector.
One trend that’s gaining ground? Salary transparency, my colleague Kimberley Ann Torres writes. We have a snapshot of eight U.S.-based grantmaking foundations setting the standard. Together, they posted 1,039 jobs on Devex since January 2023, with 70% featuring salary details — helping aspiring professionals know where they stand and offering salaries as high as $750,000.
Read more: Top US-based grantmaking employers and insight on their salary (Career)
In other news
Japan has granted Jordan a $100 million soft loan to support its budget and ease public debt. [ZAWYA]
The U.N. reports that 2024 has already witnessed an unprecedented tragedy, with at least 281 aid workers killed across 19 countries, surpassing the previous year's record. [Al Jazeera]
A UNICEF report revealed a troubling surge in child recruitment by Haitian gangs, with children comprising 30% to 50% of gang members in the violence-stricken nation. [AP]
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About the author
Helen Murphy
Helen is an award-winning journalist and Senior Editor at Devex, where she edits coverage on global development in the Americas. Based in Colombia, she previously covered war, politics, financial markets, and general news for Reuters, where she headed the bureau, and for Bloomberg in Colombia and Argentina, where she witnessed the financial meltdown. She started her career in London as a reporter for Euromoney Publications before moving to Hong Kong to work for a daily newspaper.
