Adding another dimension to American foreign policy, the Trump administration is formally enlisting foreign governments in a sweeping reorientation of global development strategy. American diplomats worldwide have been directed to seek official support for a “trade over aid” declaration before its introduction at the United Nations later this month.
State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott framed the initiative as a rejection of what he called a failed aid model, declaring that “trade and free market capitalism is the surest path to prosperity.” The policy would shift resources away from direct aid to developing nations in favor of increased trade led by private companies — a move likely to draw fierce criticism from humanitarian organizations and developing countries alike.
