James Gilmore, former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), is advising the Trump administration to redirect funds cut from USAID to address the rising influence of China and Russia worldwide.

While Gilmore agrees with President Donald Trump that foreign funding cuts should be precise, akin to using a “scalpel, not a hatchet,” he believes further reforms to foreign aid can enhance strategic effectiveness.

“The choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow. By forsaking foreign assistance, we may create a future dominated by China and other rivals,” Gilmore told Fox News Digital. “The U.S. must bolster our military and national security capabilities while also advancing a strong ‘soft’ power strategy and political initiatives to curb the expanding global influence of China and Russia.”

Left to right: Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Reuters)

Both China and Russia have invested in economic development efforts in recent years, particularly in Africa. The continent took a major hit when several USAID programs, including those aimed at combating hunger and disease, were shut down.

In February 2024, Russia claimed to have sent more than 220,000 tons of free grain to six African nations, according to Reuters.

A few months later, in November 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Africa his country’s “total support” in fighting terrorism and extremism, the BBC reported. 

China has also made major investments in economic development across the globe. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, China has increased its development spending by 525% over the last 15 years.

In September 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in funding over the course of three years, Reuters reported. 

Ukrainian soldier exits the cabin of the DS3 artillery as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, in the direction of Niu York, Ukraine, 5 March 2025. ((Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images))

Gilmore told Fox News Digital that the key to countering Chinese and Russian aggression is victory in Ukraine. He views the ongoing war as a “pivot to the future,” and said the U.S. cannot let Russia win.

“Ukraine is on the frontline of a new global war between democracies and authoritarian regimes that is being waged with both military and soft power,” Gilmore told Fox News Digital.

“If Ukraine is conquered by force, Putin will continue his long-term goal of reassembling the Russian empire, and compromising the safety, independence and of Europe, and challenge Europe’s friendship with the U.S.  A defeat of Ukraine will require more investment of resources to defend our allies.”