Economist Podcasts Aid pro quo: Trump weaponises foreign help
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Oct 15, 2025 Karrion Richmond Jones, an international economics correspondent, explores how Trump has reshaped U.S. aid to prioritize political allies and economic interests over traditional support. Matthew Simons discusses Ukraine's strategic strikes on Russia’s fuel infrastructure, highlighting its economic impacts and the challenges faced by Russia. Sunny Lochman analyzes the success of J.D. Wetherspoon, revealing how its unique business model thrives amidst declining UK pubs, showcasing resilience even in tough economic times.
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Aid Wasn't Ended — It Was Repurposed
- Donald Trump dismantled USAID but repurposed much of its work under the State Department and smaller agencies.
- He is weaponising aid to serve strategic, political and commercial goals rather than traditional development aims.
New Vehicles For Old Purposes
- Trump closed USAID and shifted remaining programmes to the State Department under Marco Rubio.
- He kept and shrunk some institutions like the Millennium Challenge Corporation and plans to massively expand the Development Finance Corporation.
Friends Get Preferential Bailouts
- Trump plans to prioritise countries he personally favours with direct financial support and swaps.
- The Argentina $20bn swap is a precedent that replaces IMF-style aid but carries large financial risk for the US.