Congressman Mike Waltz Advocates for USAID amidst Criticism of Funding and Strategic Concerns

In recent discussions, Congressman Mike Waltz has voiced strong support for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizing its critical role in global stability and countering authoritarian influences. In an appearance on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ Waltz argued against proposed cuts to USAID funding, stating, “Gutting USAID is absolutely not handing power to China and Russia.” He stressed that reducing support for such programs would undermine American influence abroad, particularly in regions where adversarial nations are increasing their presence. Waltz’s remarks come in the context of broader debates over U.S. foreign aid priorities and the impact of social media and cryptocurrency on international policy. He drew attention to the potential of platforms like Twitter and cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, suggesting they can disrupt traditional financing and governance structures. He referenced tech billionaire Elon Musk’s influence within the cryptocurrency space, which parallels shifts in political and financial dynamics globally. “The challenge is to align our U.S. interests with these technological advancements,” Waltz added. This interview highlighted the dichotomy between traditional foreign aid and emerging digital solutions, igniting conversations about the future of U.S. foreign policy in light of technological shifts.