What Awaits USAID's Office in Armenia

The Trump administration is systematically closing down leading American organizations that provide international aid. This was reported by the newspaper "Zhoghovurd." It became known yesterday that the Central Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington is being closed, which primarily handles the coordination of aid to other countries.

"Zhoghovurd" inquired with the Chairman of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, Ashot Melikyan, about the fate of the USAID office in Armenia and the programs implemented with the support of this organization. "The information is very contradictory; sometimes we receive encouraging news, and at other times, statements from Trump and Elon Musk indicate a determined stance to close the organization. As for USAID's office in Armenia, I cannot speak on their behalf as they do not provide comments. One of the organizations benefiting from USAID programs was the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, we had a grant, but on January 25, we were informed by Internews Armenia that the program has been frozen for 90 days, and no expenditures will be made until further instructions are given. There is no clear information for the future; it is uncertain whether the program will continue or not. The U.S. attorney's office has sent its conclusion to the court that this decision contradicts legislation, and there should be discussions in court. The organizations that have signed contracts to implement their projects have worked with the American government, and this poses a challenge to the state regarding how faithfully it will adhere to its signed contracts and obligations," said Ashot Melikyan.

It is worth noting that USAID was established in 1961 by U.S. President John F. Kennedy. It operates in many countries, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Armenia...

Note: Trump intends to merge USAID with the U.S. State Department and reduce staff. An announcement from the Trump administration is expected in the coming days.