Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has officially ceased operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a shift towards prioritizing trade and investment over foreign aid, reflecting a change in foreign policy strategy under the Trump administration [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in Foreign Aid Strategy - The U.S. Secretary of State, Rubio, announced the formal cessation of USAID's foreign aid operations, emphasizing a focus on trade and investment that benefits U.S. interests rather than traditional aid [1][3]. - The Trump administration conducted a thorough review of USAID's projects and expenditures, totaling over $715 billion, concluding that the agency's efforts have been largely ineffective since the end of the Cold War [3]. - The closure of USAID has drawn criticism from former Presidents Bush and Obama, with Obama labeling it a "huge mistake" as USAID has been a significant representation of U.S. presence globally [3]. Group 2: Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy - The shift from aid to investment and trade is seen as an acknowledgment of the U.S.'s relative decline in global power, with a strategic focus on countering China's influence through economic means [4]. - The historical context of USAID's establishment during the Cold War highlights its dual purpose of humanitarian aid and national security, indicating that the current closure does not signify a move away from interventionist policies [4]. - Experts suggest that the U.S. will continue to utilize trade and investment as tools for geopolitical competition, maintaining a strategy characterized by strong disruption and weak accountability [4].