President Donald Trump has directed Congress to rescind $3.2 billion in funding allocated to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), including specific projects that support Ukrainian women artists and LGBT communities in the Balkans. The administration argues that these programs misallocate taxpayer resources by advancing initiatives such as ‘diversity, equity, inclusion’ and ‘woke’ agendas, rather than focusing on national priorities. A recent court decision has removed an injunction that previously blocked these efforts, paving the way for the request to move forward. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to overhaul USAID’s operations, with the Trump administration accusing the agency of fostering radical ideas and inefficient spending. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared the end to what he terms the ‘era of government-sanctioned inefficiency,’ emphasizing the need for more effective use of taxpayer funds. The proposed cuts include $1.5 million to promote the artwork of Ukrainian women, $3.9 million to support LGBT communities in the western Balkans, and $24.6 million for ‘climate resilience’ in Honduras, according to the report. The administration has criticized USAID for its focus on ‘woke’ initiatives, arguing that such efforts are misaligned with the national interests of the United States. Critics have also pointed out that the agency has been accused by some of serving as a tool for regime change, covertly advancing US foreign policy agendas. This has sparked debate over the role and effectiveness of USAID in shaping international relations and development assistance. The Trump administration’s decision to target specific cultural and social programs highlights its broader approach to foreign policy and the use of taxpayer funds. The move has been met with both support and criticism, reflecting ongoing tensions over the direction and management of US foreign aid programs.