Fiji faces job losses and aid cuts as Trump dismantles USAID

As U.S. President Donald Trump dismantles USAID in multiple countries, including Fiji, hundreds of local jobs and assistance to marginalised communities are being impacted, according to a USAID staff member in Fiji.

While speaking to fijivillage News on the condition of anonymity, the staff member says Fiji was being established as a hub in the Pacific, but now Trump's decision has affected hundreds of Fijian jobs, as USAID believed in building local capacity.

He says millions of dollars in grants for strengthening climate resilience, the healthcare system, economic growth, and digital connectivity in rural communities are now on hold.

The staff member also says civil society organisations, especially grantees in rural areas that rely on their aid, are at risk.

He adds programmes such as Climate Ready, the Pacific American Fund, Digital Connectivity Cybersecurity Partnership, and the Pacific RISE-CTIP" (Pacific Regional Counter Trafficking in Persons) which fights human trafficking—have been put on hold.

Additionally, he says each programme had a gender equality and inclusion component, and all Gender Equality and Diversity Officers have been sent on leave.

The staff member says each programme typically employs about 15 to 18 staff, and apart from those in senior positions, all other roles were held by locals; however, American staff have been recalled to Washington, while local staff remain on leave.

He says as a Fijian staff member, this is an assault on the passion and resilience of the hundreds of them who work to improve the lives of Fijian communities.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who is currently in Washington D.C., has raised his concerns with Congressman Ed Case, the Chair of the U.S. Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, as well as Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, at the White House.

Rabuka says that as recipients of USAID projects, Fiji must determine how to manage without the assistance, while the U.S. must consider how to handle the consequences of its withdrawal.

He warns that suspending USAID assistance will create an economic power vacuum.

Rabuka questions how it will plug the gap—whether through strengthening alliances with friendly neighbouring countries without financial implications or by maintaining a balance in the ongoing rivalry between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

The Prime Minister says a "popularity race" in the Pacific will not be good.

In a response to questions by fijivillage News on how Trump’s decision is going to or is impacting USAID programs in Fiji, how many programs and Fijians are being affected and about Fijian job losses, a U.S Embassy spokesperson says policy changes are a standard part of any U.S Presidential transition.

The spokesperson says the new Administration is taking time to evaluate current programming and activities across the globe to ensure they align with U.S interests.