Rep. Young Kim warns that China will quickly step in if the U.S. withdraws from certain USAID programs, undermining American influence globally. She highlights initiatives in Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines, such as landmine removal and aid for wartime toxin exposure, as crucial efforts that could be at risk. Kim argues that USAID, established to counter Soviet influence, remains vital for U.S. soft power and global alliances.

While she supports reviewing wasteful spending, like a $2.5 million EV charging station project in Vietnam, she emphasizes that cutting effective programs would weaken U.S. national security.

Kim acknowledges that Trump’s administration has paused USAID funding for review but clarifies that the program has not been entirely shut down. She believes proper oversight is necessary to ensure taxpayer money aligns with U.S. interests while preventing China from filling the void.

The discussion over USAID’s future continues in Congress, with lawmakers debating how to reform international assistance without compromising strategic influence.