A Study on the U.S. Foreign Aid’s Legal Framework and Discourse during President Trump’s Second Term: Perspectives from Public Law and Development Politics

Purpose: This study examines changes in the U.S. foreign aid system and policy discourse led by Trump’s second administration. Originality: This study offers a timely and methodologically appropriate assessment of the motives and feasibility of Trump’s foreign aid decisions. Drawing on legal and development politics theories, it provides an integrated evaluation of his aid policy. Methodology: Using an analytical framework grounded in aid populism theory, this study conducted a content analysis of executive orders, laws, and policy documents. Result: Analysis of U.S. legal frameworks confirms that the president holds broad authority over foreign aid policy. The Trump administration’s use of executive orders to freeze and condition aid illustrates a typical case of aid populism. Conclusion and Implication: Trump’s aid freeze and USAID merger initiative represent a controversial shift toward a donor-centered model prioritizing domestic interests over recipient needs. This approach shows the needs for analyzing foreign aid from separation of powers and due process of law and critically assesses the link between national interest and foreign aid. Furthermore, this case invites reflection on accountability to tax-payers and legitimacy in foreign aid.