The First Trump Administration and Development

CGD experts closely monitored what the change in leadership in the United States meant for US development policy. This series contains detailed analysis of the first Trump administration’s actions.

More from the Series

Blog Post

Why President Trump’s Blunt Threats to Cut Off US Foreign Aid Are Unique and Counterproductive

December 22, 2017
Given that US foreign aid has always been linked to national security, how much of a departure is President Trump’s approach from that of previous administrations? And what should we expect to happen to the 128 countries that voted to express “deep regret” over recent decisions on ...
Blog Post

How Does Development Fare in Trump’s National Security Strategy?

December 20, 2017
This week, the White House unveiled the first National Security Strategy of the Trump administration. As always, we were eager to see how the strategy considered the role of development. While there’s a lot to unpack in the 68-page document, here ar...
Blog Post

Where Is Trump Headed on Foreign Aid? Five Takeaways from the Tillerson and Green Hearings

June 23, 2017
After months of speculation, we are finally getting some clarity on the broad outlines—and internal debates—of development policy under the Trump administration. Here are five main takeaways from hearings with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and USAID administrator nominee Mark Green:
Blog Post

Five Questions (and Answers) for USAID Administrator Nominee Mark Green

June 14, 2017
Ambassador Mark Green—President Trump’s pick to lead the US Agency for International Development (USAID)—is slated to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination hearing on Thursday morning. Drawing on themes of efficiency, effectiveness, ...