June 30, 2025, was the last day of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).[i]  Over the last sixty-four years USAID provided technical and financial assistance through a wide variety of foreign aid and development programs.  A major area was democracy and governance initiatives to strengthen civil societies and institutions, with a key component being efforts to improve the Rule of Law.[ii]

From 1999 to 2022 I had the privilege of working as a judicial administration technical expert on multiple USAID Rule of Law projects in five countries.  These were important projects, and I am happy to report that each contributed to substantive improvements in each nation’s judicial systems.  Knowing this, it brings me great sadness to witness the termination of USAID and the continuation of its work, not only in the Rule of Law area but across the rest of USAID’s portfolio that has done so much to improve the world we live in.  We have lost a major force for good, and there will be huge negative impacts.[iii]

I am not alone in this view.  For instance, on June 30 former Presidents Bush and Obama condemned USAID’s termination, citing its critically important work to prevent disease and hunger, generate economic growth, and promote democracy.[iv]

Finally, I congratulate and thank the thousands of former USAID employees, contractors, and local project staff for dedicating themselves over the years to making a positive, lasting difference around the world. Working with USAID colleagues were some of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I wish them well as they adapt and move on in the post-USAID world.

[i] United States Agency for International Development – Wikipedia; USAID officially closes, attracting condemnation from Obama and Bush

[ii] What is the Rule of Law

[iii] Consequences and Implications for the International Development Assistance Sector from the Closure of USAID | Global Policy Journal; USAID cuts: Here are 20 projects that have closed | AP News

[iv] Bush, Obama — and singer Bono — fault Trump’s gutting of USAID | AP News

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Published by Norman Meyer

After 38 years as a trial court administrator in the state and federal courts in the U.S., Norman continues to write, teach, and otherwise participate in judicial administration activities world-wide. In particular, he is active in the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) as a past Regional Vice President and Advisory Board member, in the National Association for Court Management (NACM) as a Past President (having received NACM's Award of Merit), and as an Associate of the Justice Speakers Institute. Norman has extensive experience working on international Rule of Law projects, particularly in the Russian Federation, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania. Norman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of New Mexico (Political Science and Russian Studies), and he received the Master of Science in Judicial Administration from the University of Denver College of Law.

3 thoughts on “The End of USAID and its Rule of Law Programs”

  2. Along with many other things that I am witnessing, this is another sad day for your country, for democracy, and for US citizens. While we watch from afar, well maybe not that far as the crow flies–we are due north in Canada–we are watching the disintegration of many facets of your civil society. It ranges from USAID to the Center for Disease Control, the education system, and the list goes on. We are sad for you, our neighbours and friends.

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