Photo: Alamy
The Trump administration has directed American diplomats to urge foreign governments to support a “trade over aid” declaration at the United Nations, part of a broader effort to reshape how the United States delivers foreign assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to seek backing from other countries before the proposal is formally introduced later this month, according to a Thursday report.
The initiative reflects a shift in U.S. policy that prioritizes trade, investment and private-sector development over traditional humanitarian aid programs. Officials say the approach is intended to promote economic growth while aligning with the administration’s “America First” strategy.
The memo describes the effort as an opportunity to use the United Nations to “promote America First values and create business opportunities for U.S. companies,” according to the report.
Since the start of Trump’s second term, the administration has reduced funding for some foreign aid programs, scaled back the role of the U.S. Agency for International Development and emphasized bilateral deals and market-based development.
“The idea that trade and free market capitalism is the surest path to prosperity has been proven by the facts and by history,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. “We have been clear that prosperity and partnership are our goals. The U.S. remains the most generous country in the history of the world, but those arguing for ‘aid not trade’ are really arguing for lining the pockets of a corrupt NGO industrial complex.”
Officials said the proposal aims to connect developing countries with U.S. investment and technical expertise while continuing support for certain humanitarian programs.
The memo also criticizes aspects of the global aid system, arguing it has “often created dependency, inefficiency, and corruption,” and asserts that economic growth is better driven by private enterprise than government assistance. The U.S. Mission to the United Nations is expected to host a signing event for the declaration before the end of April.