- USAID will be renamed the United States Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA)
- By adopting blockchain technology, it will “significantly increase security, transparency, and traceability”
- The overhaul follows Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cutting USAID staff from about 10,000 to just under 300 in early February
The Trump administration plans for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to “use blockchain technology” as part of a broader effort to rename and restructure the agency.
According to a WIRED report, a government memorandum detailing plans for USAID circulated among State Department officials.
In the 13-page document — first reported by Politico — the plan states that as part of the overhaul USAID would be renamed the United States Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA).
The memo also recommends “the use of blockchain technology,” saying it “will significantly increase security, transparency, and traceability.”
It adds: “This approach would encourage innovation and efficiency among implementing partners and allow for more flexible, responsive programming focused on tangible impact rather than simply completing activities and disbursing funds.”
USAID staff placed on leave
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, several U.S. agencies have undergone significant changes, including USAID.
In early February, USAID personnel were placed on administrative leave “except for personnel designated to perform essential mission functions,” according to a government notice.
Following the establishment of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), USAID’s workforce was reduced from about 10,000 employees to just under 300.
In a post on X in February, Musk wrote: “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.”
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
Blockchain in humanitarian efforts
Blockchain technology has been explored in humanitarian contexts before, with many observers noting the potential benefits. In 2020, UNICEF invested roughly 135 Ether — about $30,000 at the time — across eight companies in seven developing countries to help build prototypes and scale projects focused on humanitarian blockchain solutions.
Financial services firm AID:Tech used the payment rails of stablecoin issuer Circle to deliver disaster relief payments in USDC in 2021, aiming to create fraud-resistant aid distribution.
These applications sought to reduce inequality and expand opportunity by bringing greater accountability and transparency to federal aid distribution.
Recognizing blockchain’s potential, AID:Tech was among the first companies to use the technology for international aid delivery in 2015.