According to an internal memo, President Donald J. Trump plans to rebrand the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as US International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA). The memo also indicates the President intends to place this agency under the control of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as part of a wider reorganization.
Alongside the name change, the plan reportedly involves extensive use of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology within IHA’s operations.
Politico reports that the memo, viewed by State Department staff, details the use of blockchain to secure and track transactions for international humanitarian aid. The memo does not specify the administration’s precise implementation plans, but speculation suggests it might involve cryptocurrencies or stablecoins for transactions.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Musk, has put USAID in its crosshairs, leading to administrative leave and layoffs. The focus on blockchain is believed to improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency within the agency.
It’s speculated that the agency might use a blockchain ledger to track aid disbursements and donations, a relatively uncommon approach for humanitarian organizations.
President Trump has previously voiced ambitions to establish the United States as a “crypto capital” and has emphasized blockchain technology for the country’s future. He also stated an intention to prioritize Bitcoin and make it a global superpower.
Trump has taken several significant blockchain-related actions, including pardoning Ross Ulbricht and restructuring the SEC. Shortly after his inauguration, the President signed his first crypto policy, aiming to stabilize the market and assigning a working group to develop future regulations and policies. The integration of cryptocurrency into American life is a key goal for Trump’s second term, with increased efforts including collaborations with cryptocurrency related companies and the formulation of new regulations.
