Small but Mighty: The USADF Stands Firm
The U.S. African Development Foundation fights to protect humanitarian aid
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF), a small but mighty agency, has scored a significant victory in its battle to remain an independent force for good.
The foundation, which focuses on supporting economic development and humanitarian aid across Africa, recently faced a direct attempt by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dismantle its operations. However, under the leadership of CEO and President Ward Brehm, the USADF stood firm in the face of these challenges, proving that even the smallest of agencies can have a monumental impact.
At the heart of this struggle was DOGE’s decision to invoke an executive order aimed at reducing foreign aid. The agency sought to install Peter Marocco, the director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance and acting deputy administrator of USAID, as the new chair of the USADF’s board. This move would have also involved canceling grants, reducing staff, and imposing changes that would have severely hampered the foundation’s ability to carry out its mission. For an organization dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs, farmers, and small businesses, this would have been a devastating blow.
But the USADF refused to back down. After a tense standoff, in which Marocco returned to the USADF office with five federal marshalls and DOGE employees, USADF President Brehm filed a lawsuit to block the takeover attempts.
In response, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon issued a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration from ousting Brehm, pending a formal hearing. This ruling was a temporary victory for USADF, safeguarding its ability to continue its vital work in Africa without unnecessary interference—at least, for now. The injunction expires on Tuesday.
This ruling is even more significant when seen within the broader context of the ongoing struggles facing U.S. development agencies, including USAID. Like the USADF, USAID and other development agencies are on the front lines of American diplomacy, working with partners around the world to create stability, foster economic growth, and alleviate poverty.
By standing up for the USADF, we are not just defending one small agency; we are sending a strong message of solidarity with all of our development partners. The fight to protect USADF is directly tied to the fight for the future of American foreign aid, and the protection of programs that empower vulnerable communities worldwide.
The work of USAID and its partners, including the USADF, is critical not only for those it directly serves but also for America’s standing in the world. Supporting development abroad helps foster stability, reduces the need for military intervention, and ultimately contributes to global peace and security.
The USADF, with a budget of just $45 million, has supported over 2,000 African-owned and led businesses across 22 countries, fostering sustainable economic growth in underserved communities. Through its investments, USADF has empowered local entrepreneurs, improved livelihoods, and contributed to the development of key sectors like agriculture, energy, and financial inclusion. These efforts not only uplift African communities but also align with American interests, ensuring long-term global stability, economic partnerships, and enhanced security, all while promoting values of self-reliance and sustainable development.
The USADF’s steadfastness exemplifies the principle that America is great when America is good. And just as the USADF has shown that it is possible to make a difference through small, strategic efforts, USAID and other development partners continue to prove that investing in people is the best way to secure long-term prosperity for both America and the world.
Thank you, Ward Brehm, for your unwavering leadership. This is a victory not just for USADF, but for all who believe in the power of humanitarian aid, the importance of independent institutions, and the value of standing with our global development partners. By defending USADF’s mission, we stand in solidarity with all those working to improve lives, create opportunities, and advance American interests through humanitarian work.
In the end, this win is a reminder that America is at its best when it does what’s right—and today, USADF has shown exactly that.
“America is great when America is good.”
The USADF is an American foundation that should follow the President’ Executive Orders and help reduce the United States’ national debt.