James Gilmore, former U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE, is urging the Trump administration to redirect funds previously allocated to USAID to counteract the expanding global influence of China and Russia.
While agreeing with President Trump’s view that foreign funding cuts should be precise, Gilmore argues for a more strategic overhaul of foreign aid.
Gilmore stated that today’s decisions will shape tomorrow’s world, and abandoning foreign assistance would allow China and other adversaries to dominate. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to strengthen its military and national security while implementing a strong soft power strategy and political initiatives to counter China and Russia.
Gilmore emphasized that every dollar of foreign aid must bolster American safety and align with U.S. national strategy, viewing such spending as an investment.
Gilmore also expressed concern about rising isolationism among Republicans, especially as America’s rivals employ soft power to expand their influence.
He warned that American withdrawal from global leadership creates instability, allowing enemies to exploit the situation. Without American leadership, he said, weak states can become breeding grounds for terrorism and drug cartels.
China and Russia have been investing in economic development, especially in Africa, which has suffered from USAID program closures targeting hunger and disease.
In February 2024, Russia reported sending over 220,000 tons of free grain to six African countries.
In November 2024, President Putin offered Africa Russia’s full support in combating terrorism and extremism.
China has also made significant investments in global economic development. A 2024 report indicated that China’s development spending has increased by 525% in the past 15 years.
In September 2024, President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in funding over three years.
Gilmore stated that victory in Ukraine is crucial to countering Chinese and Russian aggression, calling the ongoing war a “pivot to the future” and stressing that the U.S. cannot allow Russia to win.
Gilmore sees the war in Ukraine as part of a larger global conflict between democracies and authoritarian regimes, fought with both military might and soft power.
He believes that if Russia conquers Ukraine, Putin will continue his ambition of rebuilding the Russian empire, threatening the safety, independence, and freedom of Europe and challenging Europe’s alliance with the U.S. He argued that a Ukrainian defeat would require greater resource investment to defend allies.