One year ago, an internal U.S. State Department cable known as the ALDAC triggered an immediate, unprecedented freeze on all U.S. foreign assistance. What began as a “90-day pause” quickly became a global fault line, leading to the dismantling of the 64-year-old U.S. Agency for International Development and the cancellation of over 10,000 aid projects — from lifesaving HIV clinics to essential food security programs.
Reporters Michael Igoe and Elissa Miolene revisit the Devex-exclusive story covering a historic decision that has fundamentally reshaped the development sector. They trace the fallout from the quiet hallways of Washington, D.C., to the communities worldwide where services were abruptly halted and have yet to return. They also discuss the legal battle over executive power that is still unfolding in the courts today.
As the “great reset” of America’s role in the world continues to take shape, we look back at the key moments and repercussions of the stop-work order. This wasn’t just a budget cut; it was a fundamental rethink of why, and how, the U.S. engages with the world.
About the author
Thomas Cserep
Thomas Cserép is an Associate Editor who manages and oversees Devex's social media presence, coordinates Devex’s audience outreach, and produces the This Week in Global Development podcast. Prior to Devex, he worked as a freelance journalist, with his writings appearing in a variety of publications, including Get Spanish Football News and the magazine of the Hungarian Geographic Society.
