USAID and its role in 2024 Georgian protests

Ahead of the autumn protests in Georgia in 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated funding to support elections, rule of law, and civil society in the country.

ForeignAssistance.gov portal, has outlined the financial contributions made by USAID in the lead-up to the unrest, Caliber.Az reports.

In 2024, USAID committed $8.58 million towards programmes aimed at strengthening the rule of law, while an additional $6.33 million was allocated to support electoral and political processes. Furthermore, $4.35 million was directed to engage civil society.

These programmes were among the top ten largest areas of funding for the agency in Georgia, which totalled $111.5 million.

To recall, USAID, which provides humanitarian aid globally, is facing significant uncertainty as the Trump administration pushes for cuts to government spending. USAID, which employs around 10,000 people, with two-thirds working abroad, has been informed that many of its staff will be placed on paid administrative leave.

Staff were instructed to remain available but prohibited from entering USAID buildings. The agency’s activities, such as providing medical aid, clearing landmines, and fighting epidemics, are critical in several parts of the world, including Ukraine and Africa.

The Trump administration, prioritizing budget cuts, has targeted USAID, with Elon Musk supporting its closure, claiming it is "beyond repair." This stance has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Democrats, who argue that shutting down USAID would undermine US foreign policy and national security.

USAID, established in 1961, has a significant global presence, operating in over 60 countries. In fiscal year 2023, it managed over $40 billion in aid. Critics stress that dismantling USAID would harm vulnerable populations worldwide and erode America's ability to compete globally.

By Aghakazim Guliyev