When John F. Kennedy founded USAID in 1961, he had a clear vision: to transform international aid into a tool of soft power, strengthening American influence in the world through development and cooperation. For over sixty years, USAID has represented the most diplomatic face of U.S. foreign policy, building ties with governments and civil societies in emerging countries. Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle or significantly downsize this agency marks a paradigm shift: the United States appears to be retreating from its leadership role in global development, creating space for other international actors, such as China, which are advancing with cooperation models less bound to democratic principles. This transformation raises questions about the future architecture of international aid and the responsibilities that the European Union might take on to fill the void left by Washington. The end of USAID is not just a political decision but a symbol of a new era in international relations, in which America is redefining its strategies of global influence, and Europe is called to reconsider its role in the global landscape.