Trump Administration Advocates 'Trade Over Aid' to Reshape US Global Role

WASHINGTON (CNA) – According to diplomatic cables seen by Reuters, the Trump administration has instructed US diplomats worldwide to lobby countries at the United Nations to support a "trade over aid" declaration, as part of Washington's comprehensive reform of billions of dollars in foreign aid. According to a cable issued on April 15, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed diplomats around the world to convey this message to the appropriate highest levels in their host countries and to complete the signing of the declaration by April 20. According to the cable, this initiative is for the US Mission to the United Nations (USUN) to promote "America First" values through the UN system and create business opportunities for US companies. This cable news was first reported by The Washington Post. This reflects a shift in the Trump administration's foreign policy, moving from using aid as a means to expand US influence to a more pragmatic approach that the government believes aligns with core US interests. After taking office, Trump immediately began to overturn the decades-old system of distributing billions of dollars in life-saving and development aid. The US stated that the old aid model created dependency and failed to promote US interests. US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said: "Trade and free market capitalism are the most reliable paths to prosperity, which has been proven by facts and history... The United States remains the most generous nation in history, but those who advocate 'aid over trade' are actually seeking self-interest for corrupt NGO industry interest groups." In contrast, the Trump administration advocates an alternative model that emphasizes "mutually beneficial commercial relations" among nations and encourages reforms that support business, although this approach sometimes draws dissatisfaction from humanitarian organizations. Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of the Rockefeller Foundation, who previously served in the White House, pointed out: "No American, upon seeing a picture of a hungry child, would view it as an opportunity for corporate profit." He said: "This is because Americans have historically extended a helping hand in disasters, rather than looking for opportunities to sell fire hoses to those suffering. This approach deviates from American tradition, values, and national security interests, and makes us less secure." US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz also mentioned this initiative yesterday when discussing UN reform. He stated: "In terms of development, we are actively working with private enterprises. We hope to reduce barriers to capital entry, promote foreign investment, create job opportunities, rather than create dependency. We call this approach 'trade over aid'." (Compiler: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150417