The Trump administration’s decisions over the past weeks have surprised the world, including its allies. Now, reports suggest that the Trump administration released a budget for the maintenance of the F-16 fleet to Pakistan while on the other hand, the superpower is offering the F-35 to India. However, Pakistan will not receive the funds directly.
After taking over the reins, US President Donald Trump already ordered a freeze on all kinds of aid, but later he changed his stance and exempted Egypt and Israel from providing military assistance. But, a few decisions would have compelled defense analysts to wonder what is going on in Trump’s mind.
Trump has ordered a budget of $397 million for the maintenance of the F-16 fighter jet fleet in Pakistan. As per reports, the Trump administration will keep a check that these fighter jets will be used in anti-terror operations and to monitor rebels. Pakistan cannot use the fighter jets against India as it was mentioned in the agreement with the United States.
In his first tenure, Donald Trump had stopped all defense and military assistance to Pakistan in 2018. Trump was upset after Pakistan failed to act against terror groups who were using its soil in terror activities in the region.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to formally end the US Agency for International Development (USAID), notifying the remaining employees they will be terminated and the agency will be merged with the State Department, The Hill reported.
The move will fully absorb all remaining USAID functions into the State Department effective July 1, and according to a reduction in force notice to remaining staff, will “obviate” the need for an independent USAID.
By September 2, USAID’s operations will have been substantially transferred to the State or otherwise wound down, the notice stated. Jeremy Lewin, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer who joined USAID last week, said the State Department “will seek to retire USAID’s independent operation, consistent with applicable law,” as per The Hill.
