28 JUNE 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL e Foreign Assistance Helps U.S. Businesses Over the past two years, I led USAID efforts to support countries facing debt distress and macroeconomic crises. We advised more than 25 governments on strengthening tax systems, cutting costs, and improving oversight in sectors like banking. In 2024 in Bangladesh, where $17-30 billion was looted from banks by former political leaders, USAID became the first bilateral agency to deploy an adviser focused on banking sector reform—introducing oversight mechanisms common in the U.S. to help recover assets and prevent future losses. Now that USAID has been shut down, Bangladesh is forced to turn to other partners. This work isn’t new. USAID has supported economic governance for decades, with bipartisan backing. During the first Trump administration, for instance, USAID helped Burma’s civilian leaders avoid $6 billion in port project costs, saving the country money and denying the People’s Republic of China (PRC) leverage. Why should the U.S. care? First, fiscally sound countries are better investment environments for U.S. businesses—offering stable exchange rates, low inflation, and reliable infrastructure. Second, sound economic management is foundational to poverty reduction and a principle behind the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard, yet a place where USAID has led due to our on-the-ground presence. Third, addressing issues that matter to foreign leaders strengthens partnerships— and counters PRC influence, enhancing U.S. global standing. e Family Members Serve Too Let us honor the sacrifices that are mutually shared by our patriotic USAID families. My wife gave up her career so she could support us at hardship and danger posts. In service to our great nation, my family has endured three evacuations, including once when we had to reassure our toddlers that Santa would still deliver their presents despite the need to flee across the Congo River. Elsewhere, our kids remember the sounds of explosions while sheltering in bomb shelters and the heavy doors of the armored vehicles that frequently took them to school. Our USAID family members have proudly served our country alongside us. They are the real heroes and deserve better. e Anchored in Hope The dreaded news has finally been confirmed—I have been placed on administrative leave. Despite the frustration, the sting of betrayal, and the uncertainty that looms over me, I remain, against all odds, hopeful. The past few weeks have thrown more at me than I could have imagined. I have endured betrayal by my own government and the very institution I swore to serve. I have had my allegiance questioned, my integrity scrutinized—as if my commitment to this country and its values were conditional, as if my identity disqualified me from belonging. I have been told, to my face and behind my back, that my mixed-race heritage makes me an abomination. I have watched with anguish as the world spirals deeper into crisis after crisis—war, injustice, climate catastrophe, humanitarian disasters—each one a reminder of how much is at stake. Through it all, my hope has been tested like never before. To say my soul has been crushed over the past few weeks would be an understatement. The weight of everything—past and present—has pressed down on me with unrelenting force. And yet, here I stand. Three years ago, I achieved what felt like a lifelong dream: I became a Foreign Service officer with USAID. It was more than just a job—it was a calling. The mission, the purpose, the commitment to something greater than myself—it all resonated deeply. But what made it even more meaningful was my first post: the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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