Alerts Sign-up
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Carolyn Woo, former president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has expressed concerns about the potential impact on millions who benefit from CRS's projects worldwide. Woo highlighted that USAID-funded CRS initiatives significantly affect health, livelihoods, and access to food and medicine.
Woo, now a distinguished president’s fellow for global development at Purdue University, stated, "So the freeze, where it affects programs like this, really puts people’s health, livelihood on the line, and it could actually cause death." She emphasized that CRS manages hundreds of projects in over 120 countries impacting more than 200 million people.
The Trump administration has initiated a broader freeze on federal spending on foreign assistance and plans to place most of USAID’s global staff on leave. President Donald Trump indicated a possible closure of USAID with his post "CLOSE IT DOWN!" on Truth Social. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been named acting administrator following Elon Musk's push for closure as part of an unofficial task force aimed at reducing federal spending.
Woo noted that rollbacks to USAID could disrupt long-standing financial support from the U.S. government for faith-based entities like CRS. She stressed that USAID has supported Catholic Church endeavors through CRS globally. "That has to be recognized," she said.
CRS efforts funded by federal aid include assisting those affected by war or natural disasters, combating diseases like malaria and AIDS, education initiatives, nutritional assistance, and agriculture support. Woo stated these efforts aim to promote peace and justice while respecting CRS's Catholic identity.
Despite criticisms over partnerships with groups allegedly engaging in activities contrary to Catholic teachings, Woo defended CRS's alignment with church principles. She argued that foreign aid benefits U.S. security and economy by purchasing American products and fostering international goodwill.
Concerns are growing in the agriculture sector due to USAID's apparent closure; the agency bought $2 billion in U.S.-grown crops in 2024 as part of its Feed the Future program. Woo also countered arguments against using government funds for church-related charitable work by highlighting her contributions as a taxpayer.
Reports indicate layoffs have begun at CRS amid anticipated organizational downsizing due to funding cuts. Woo acknowledged that such reductions would significantly impact many projects partnered with USAID.
Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.
