The U.S. is urging other nations to back a “trade over aid” initiative at the United Nations as part of the Trump administration’s broader shift away from donor-focused development assistance and toward greater private investment.
Jacksonville mom makes desperate plea for 13-year-old daughter to ‘come home months after disappearance‘
It is a crisis’: ICARE renews push for $10M affordable housing fund from mayor’s office
April 16, 2026 at 4:36 PM Secretary of State Marco Rubio smiles during a meeting at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. – The U.S. is urging other nations to back a “trade over aid” initiative at the United Nations as part of the Trump administration's broader shift away from donor-focused development assistance and toward greater private investment.
Ahead of the initiative being formally introduced at the U.N. at the end of April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hasto deliver a call to action to high-level foreign officials to sign on with their support by Monday, according to a diplomatic cable sent this week and obtained by The Associated Press.
According to the directive, the “Trade Over Aid Initiative' is meant to encourage U.N. member states to “make pro-business reforms' to their aid processes by facilitating conversations between governments, the private sector and international organizations.
The proposal also calls for “free market” policies to attract foreign trade that include'limited regulation, low taxation, multiple energy sources, private property rights, sanctity of contracts, and a trusted judiciary.'
“The idea that trade and free market capitalism is the surest path to prosperity has been proven by the facts and by history,' said Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesman.
“The U.S. remains the most generous country in the history of the world, but those arguing for ‘aid not trade’ are really arguing for lining the pockets of a corrupt NGO industrial complex.”
While signing on to the proposal is nonbinding and does not create obligations or require changes to national laws, it would reflect global opinion on the increasingly dire global aid situation as powerful countries like the U.S., the United Kingdom and others have decreased funding for humanitarian aid and increased their nations' defense spending.
The latest move is also seen by the U.N. and other international organizations as further abandoning the aid system at a moment of growing conflicts around the world, while increasing the risk of exploitation by for-profit companies.
Despite the U.S. effort, the United Nations is committed to putting in place its sustainable development agenda by 2030, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, which includes'For us, trade, investment, and private sector engagement can be powerful drivers of inclusive growth and job creation,' he told AP.
“They should, however, not be used to substitute international development cooperation or for principled humanitarian assistance.”
Eric Pelofsky, who served at the State Department under the Barack Obama and George W. Bush administrations, blasted the effort in a statement, saying that “there’s no American who looks at a picture of a starving child and sees an opportunity for companies to enrich themselves.”
“That’s because Americans have historically run to the fire to help rather than looking for ways to sell fire hoses to those suffering,” according to a statement from Pelofsky, now an executive at the Rockefeller Foundation.'This approach betrays America’s traditions, values, and national security interests — and it makes us less safe.”
Devex, a news organization covering global development, earlier reported details of the initiative and The Washington Post earlier reported on the cable.
The initiative builds on the Trump administration’s pattern over the last year of pulling back from organizations that promote global cooperation.
Since taking office in January 2025, the administration has suspended support for agencies like theIn December, U.S. officials announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid, a small fraction of past contributions but a reflection of what the administration says is still a generous amount that will maintain America’s status as the world’sCopyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Score a free Jumbo Shrimp replica jersey on April 18
Man fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville's Southside
River City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app
State approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime prevention
A new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?
The Raines 4x400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨
Former dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count dropped
Heat, water concerns grown as drought drags on in Jacksonville
‘Caught by surprise’: Former JEA chair testifies as council considers expanding investigation
They're mighty, mighty, mighty and they're all about to sprout!
Yulee parents turn rare diagnosis into mission for awareness and research
Donald Trump U.S. News Marco Rubio Politics World News Tommy Pigott Barack Obama George W. Bush Business Eric Pelofsky Washington News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top United Nations Human Rights official points to reparations as the 'key to dismantling systemic racism'Fox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Congress offers lose-lose trade: false security for data vulnerabilityThe App Store Accountability Act claims to make the internet safer for children. What it will do is deter parents from engaging in their kids’ internet use.
Read more »
Amnesty Urges Halt to EU-Israel Trade Agreement After Italy Suspends Defense DealJessica Corbett is a senior editor and staff writer for Common Dreams.
Read more »
NFL Mock Trade: Cole Kmet Poised For Fantasy Football Bounce Back With Bengals TradeIn this NFL mock trade, the Chicago Bears trade star tight end Cole Kmet to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Read more »
Turkish parliament speaker calls for Israel's suspension from United NationsNuman Kurtulmus urges Israel's suspension over a proposed death penalty bill for Palestinian prisoners, citing apartheid-era South Africa.
Read more »
Trump administration pushes nations to sign ‘trade over aid’ declarationSecretary of State Marco Rubio called it an opportunity to use the U.N. system to “promote America First values,” according to a cable reviewed by The Post.
Read more »