How will the end of federal funding to USAID impact institutions in Illinois?
The sign for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, is seen outside of the agency's headquarters in Washington, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
The U.S. Agency for International Development provides assistance for things like polio vaccinations, and food programs for people who are starving in famine stricken regions. The majority of those employed by USAID work overseas, but Trump's efforts to close down the agency are affecting organization's here in Illinois, too.
The Heartland Alliance in Chicago helps provide assistance to victims of armed conflict in South America. University of Chicago economists help to improve the effectiveness of USAID programs. And downstate, researchers at the University of Illinois Soybean Lab conduct global disease research on crops with the help of USAID funding. Now, all these programs are in limbo.
An expert who researches the domestic political consequences of foreign aid as well as the head of the Soybean Lab weigh in.
GUESTS
Peter Goldsmith
Director and Principal Investigator, Soybean Innovation Lab
Cleo O'Brien-Udry
Assistant Professor Political Science, University of Illinois