How Elon Musk’s DOGE Cuts Leave a Vacuum That China Can Fill
The Department of Government Efficiency is shuttering organizations that Beijing worried about most, or actively sought to subvert.
Foreign Aid
USAID’s New Leadership Includes DOGE Official Who Helped Dismantle Agency
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had canceled 83 percent of U.S.A.I.D.’s programs. A federal judge found that efforts to shutter the agency were likely unconstitutional.
Trump Administration Ends Tracking of Kidnapped Ukrainian Children in Russia
A Democratic lawmaker is drafting a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking whether a database on thousands of children has been deleted.
Why the Arabic ‘Sesame Street’ and Other Cuts Are Not Really About Fraud
As President Trump and Elon Musk cut federal programs, they often equate political and policy differences with corruption.
Rubio Says a Cease-Fire in Ukraine Could Happen in ‘Days’ if Russia Agrees
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said top diplomats from the Group of 7 allies meeting in Canada should focus on ending the war. And he shrugged off President Trump’s threats to annex Canada.
U.S.A.I.D. Official Orders Employees to Shred or Burn Classified and Personnel Records
A union representing career diplomats demanded that the aid agency follow the Federal Records Act. Some documents could be relevant in court cases.
Tuberculosis Resurgent as Trump Funding Cut Disrupts Treatment Globally
The United States was the major funder of tuberculosis programs. Now hundreds of thousands of sick patients can’t find tests or drugs, and risk spreading the disease.
Judge Orders U.S.A.I.D. and State Dept. to Pay Funds ‘Unlawfully’ Withheld
The order prohibited the agencies from “unlawfully impounding congressionally appropriated foreign aid funds” owed to contractors and grant recipients. It applied to work completed before Feb. 13.
Rubio Seeks Cease-Fire in Ukraine After Reaching His Own With Musk
After blowing up at Elon Musk, Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to bolster his position. He is seeing Saudi and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia and allied diplomats in Canada.
When It Comes to the Economy, Does Trump Have Musk’s Pain Tolerance?
Wall Street’s slide puts pressure on Musk and Trump, for different reasons.