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Pete Marocco, the key figure behind the restructuring of USAID, has officially departed from the agency, marking a significant turning point in U.S. foreign aid initiatives.
Serving in various pivotal roles across the Defense, State, and Commerce departments, Marocco earned a reputation as a conservative advocate with a notable skepticism towards foreign aid programs. His departure has incited a mix of reactions, particularly among Democrats who have criticized his policies and celebrated his exit, while raising concerns about the future direction of U.S. foreign aid.
As a senior administration official noted, ‘Pete was appointed to the State Department with a mission to conduct a thorough review of every dollar allocated for foreign assistance. His rigorous analysis unveiled substantial misuses of taxpayer funds. We anticipate significant achievements for Pete in his subsequent endeavors.’
Following President Donald Trump’s strategic integration of USAID into the State Department structure, Secretary Marco Rubio appointed Marocco as the acting deputy administrator. This move set the stage for Marocco to embark on a mission to streamline the expansive USAID operation, which had previously expanded to encompass a budget of about $40 billion and employed over 10,000 staff members.
USAID’s Program Cuts Under Marocco’s Leadership
Reports indicate that the number of operational programs at USAID has drastically decreased. Of the 6,000 initiatives previously in place, only approximately 900 will continue under the new structural changes, as confirmed by Rubio in a recent podcast with Donald Trump Jr.
Historically, USAID operated with a level of autonomy that defied State Department oversight, according to Rubio’s comments. He suggested that this independent approach led to inefficiencies and inconsistent practices. The perception among some critics is that Marocco’s administration contributed to these broader issues.
In a pointed March 19 op-ed piece for RealClearPolitics, Marocco articulated his views on the detrimental effects of U.S. foreign aid, claiming it has fostered a ‘global welfare state’ and encouraged unwelcomed political intervention abroad. He asserted that such policies weakened the ability of nations to thrive in an evolving global economy while simultaneously financing organizations hostile to U.S. interests.
Sources revealed to the Wall Street Journal that Marocco learned of his departure from the State Department late last week. This report marked a significant development in the ongoing narrative surrounding the agency and its external influences.
USAID is currently under the direction of a DOGE official, highlighting an unusual transition period for the agency.
Democratic Leaders Respond to Marocco’s Departure
The exit of Marocco has elicited responses from Democratic leaders, including Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii. As the ranking member of the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, Schatz remarked that Marocco’s tenure introduced ‘chaos to USAID,’ emphasizing that his policies were characterized by recklessness and unlawful actions that dismantled longstanding foreign policies upheld by the U.S.
Schatz voiced apprehensions about the implications of Marocco’s departure, stating, ‘Serious questions linger regarding the impact he leaves behind and the potential actions Secretary Rubio might undertake to restore the credibility of the United States in foreign aid.’
Concerns Raised by USAID Employees
An experienced U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Marocco possesses a master’s degree in international humanitarian law from the University of Oxford. His time at USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives in 2020 positioned him at the forefront of controversy, as evidenced by a 13-page memo that circulated through the agency’s ‘dissent channel.’ This communication highlighted employee concerns over the perceived decline of operational effectiveness and strategic capacity under his guidance.
The memo detailed allegations that Marocco sought to control all expenditures exceeding $10,000 within an office budget of $225 million. Employees described how he manipulated standard administrative protocols, effectively reopening previously authorized projects and injecting uncertainty into daily operations.
As the memo poignantly stated, ‘Intervention is urgently needed.’ This urgent call for action reflects the lack of confidence among staff regarding Marocco’s leadership and the operational viability of USAID.
The Future of USAID Remains Uncertain
With Marocco’s exit, the future of USAID hangs in the balance. The agency grapples with its identity and the expectations set forth by an ever-evolving political landscape. As discussions continue surrounding the roles of international aid and governance, the implications of Marocco’s policies and the State Department’s approach to foreign assistance will likely remain topics of heated debate.
In an age where U.S. global influence is frequently scrutinized, the decisions made by the next leadership at USAID could shape the course of American diplomacy for years to come. The integration of foreign aid into broader geopolitical strategies may experience significant shifts as the agency redefines its mission in response to new challenges and expectations from both domestic and international stakeholders.
