Impact of USAID's Dismantling on U.S. Aid to Jamaica Post-Hurricane

At the Global Empowerment Mission's facility in Miami, volunteers packed relief supplies for victims of Hurricane Melissa on October 27, 2025. The role traditionally played by the U.S. in international disaster relief will shift significantly following USAID's dismantling.

This event marks a significant global crisis, occurring in the aftermath of the Trump administration's decision to dissolve the United States Agency for International Development, the largest aid organization worldwide, combined with substantial cuts to overseas financial assistance.

Hurricane Melissa, the year's strongest storm in the Atlantic, devastated Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, causing severe flooding and extensive power failures, leading Prime Minister Andrew Holness to declare Jamaica a 'disaster zone.'

The U.S. State Department verified Jamaica's official request for support, with President Trump affirming, "We're monitoring the situation closely and are ready to take action," during a briefing.

The question now is whether the United States can adequately support Jamaica and other Caribbean nations affected by the storm.

National Public Radio consulted several disaster relief professionals who pointed out that Hurricane Melissa tests America's emergency response skills without USAID.

Key Considerations for Disaster Response

USAID had employed around 800 disaster aid professionals, who previously followed specific procedures for disaster-related incidents like Hurricane Melissa, often planning months in advance.

According to Sarah Charles, past leader of USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance during the Biden administration, the agency would coordinate with regional governments and embassies to prepare for hurricane season. This prep work ranged from simulation exercises with local emergency services and aid groups to pre-stocking vital supplies such as tarps, emergency food, and essential household items in strategic locations like Miami and countries particularly susceptible to hurricanes, such as Haiti.

Often, USAID would preemptively station personnel in areas predicted to be hit by disasters, ensuring presence before infrastructure shutdowns.

USAID also frequently collaborated with the Pentagon, health agencies, and U.S. charities or organizations led by immigrants familiar with the needs of affected regions.

With recent budget cuts, these coordinated efforts are largely curtailed.

Following USAID's closure on July 1, approximately 100 disaster response professionals transitioned to the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, now managing humanitarian aid.

State Department's Relief Actions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "The United States is actively engaging with Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas as they manage Hurricane Melissa's devastating aftermath. Rescue teams and crucial supplies are being dispatched," in a message posted on X on Wednesday.

Brian Heidel, a humanitarian expert with over twenty years of experience who previously headed USAID's Caribbean teams, views this announcement positively, highlighting the strategy as an effective method to address disasters of such magnitude.

It's crucial to acknowledge that countries experiencing disasters hold primary responsibility for determining needed assistance.

As Sarah Charles explains, Jamaica might require U.S. assistance in emergency food delivery, supplies, and logistics to reach isolated areas, along with damage assessments.

"Providing damage evaluations, supporting communication, and logistics to help Jamaica reach the most isolated and vulnerable," she remarks.

Concerns persist regarding the U.S.'s capability to orchestrate the anticipated response effectively.

Coordination and Challenges

Experts highlighted that the State Department, known for its complex bureaucracy, lacks the disaster relief infrastructure, potentially delaying response efforts.

Sarah Charles mentioned that several USAID procedures were developed after the disorganized response to the Haiti earthquake, aimed at avoiding repeated chaos, but these methods may be jeopardized by recent administrative decisions.

Furthermore, financial disarray imposes additional challenges. Heidel notes that program funding and personnel cuts severely limit the U.S.'s capacity to address emerging disasters due to already existing commitments worldwide, including areas like the Middle East and Africa.

He adds that with these constraints, "It's unlikely the U.S. government will provide the extensive support it once offered."