1. Melania Trump’s 2018 Africa Tour
In 2018, Melania Trump embarked on her first solo international trip as First Lady, touring four African countries. The purpose of her visit was to promote USAID programs, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to international aid. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with USAID during her stops in Egypt, Malawi, and other countries, declaring, “We care,” highlighting her support for the agency’s efforts. Her trip was also tied to her personal initiative, “BeBest”, focused on promoting child welfare and education.
2. Melania’s Praise for USAID Programs
During her trip, Melania Trump highlighted several USAID initiatives she saw firsthand. In Malawi, for example, she participated in the distribution of school supplies, soccer balls, and books, all part of a larger USAID-supported literacy program. She expressed her admiration for the way USAID worked to educate and support children in developing countries, noting how touching it was to see the impact on local communities. She stressed the significance of American investments abroad, stating that supporting education in these regions made the U.S. stronger as a nation.
3. A Shift in Perspective Under President Trump
However, the tone surrounding USAID changed dramatically in the years following Melania’s tour. In 2024, President Donald Trump began working to dismantle USAID, calling the agency a “tremendous fraud.” His administration criticized USAID for being unaccountable and for funding projects that lacked proper oversight. This was in stark contrast to Melania’s glowing reviews of USAID’s work, particularly her admiration for the literacy programs in Malawi. A former senior USAID official in the region expressed disappointment, noting how difficult it was to reconcile the President’s actions with the positive impact Melania had seen firsthand.
4. The Great Sphinx and USAID’s Impact in Egypt
In Egypt, during her visit to the Great Sphinx, Melania Trump saw another USAID project in action: a groundwater management project that aimed to protect the Sphinx’s hieroglyphics from erosion. The project was a partnership between the U.S. and local governments, aimed at providing economic opportunities to Egyptians while preserving cultural heritage. Melania praised the collaboration and the tangible benefits it brought to local communities, underscoring how USAID’s efforts were making a difference in Egypt.
5. Ivanka Trump’s Role in USAID Initiatives
While Melania Trump’s role in supporting USAID programs was widely acknowledged, Ivanka Trump also played a significant role in shaping the administration’s foreign aid policies. In 2019, Ivanka launched the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, a $50 million fund aimed at empowering women in developing countries. The initiative was closely tied to USAID, with a goal of improving the lives of 50 million women by 2025. Ivanka’s efforts included funding women’s entrepreneurship programs in Africa, like the $2 million USAID-backed project for female cocoa farmers. Ivanka emphasized the importance of gender equality for national security and global stability.
6. Contradictory Actions in the Trump Administration
Despite the initial support for USAID and its programs, the Trump administration’s stance on foreign aid became increasingly critical. President Trump’s executive orders focused on reducing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and his government took steps to undermine foreign aid programs, including placing many USAID staff on administrative leave. This shift in policy raised concerns about the future of USAID and its initiatives, contrasting sharply with the praise and dedication shown by both Melania and Ivanka Trump during their earlier engagements. As the Trump administration moved to dismantle parts of USAID, it became clear that the political climate had shifted, putting the future of these valuable programs in jeopardy.
