A blueprint for “reimagined” foreign assistance has made its way across Washington, D.C. — one that centers on three adjectives that have become synonymous with the second Trump administration’s approach to aid: safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
In some ways, the proposal — which Politico reported was authored by aides of U.S. President Donald Trump — reflects previously discussed reforms and proposals.
“The memo was very well thought out and well rationed. And it seems to me that whoever was the author has a pretty thorough understanding of both the legislative side of this as well as the practical side,” said Richard Crespin, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington, D.C.
About the authors
Adva Saldinger@AdvaSal
Adva Saldinger is a Senior Reporter at Devex where she covers development finance, as well as U.S. foreign aid policy. Adva explores the role the private sector and private capital play in development and authors the weekly Devex Invested newsletter bringing the latest news on the role of business and finance in addressing global challenges. A journalist with more than 10 years of experience, she has worked at several newspapers in the U.S. and lived in both Ghana and South Africa.
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.
