To the editor:

We are writing to express our outrage that our son’s Veteran-owned small business has been destroyed overnight. After dedicating his career in engineering to water and infrastructure projects, the new administration’s halt on USAID funding has stopped his work and stiffed him of past invoices. This is against U.S. law and has been devastating to him and our family. USAID programs help us maintain influence and relationships throughout the world that we need. These tools help keep us safe and limit our need to send U.S. troops on risky ventures. In 2024, USAID’s spending was 0.3% of the federal budget, whereas the military represents 13%. Cutting USAID completely is a threat to our security and we are outraged it was done suddenly and leaving people like our son without payment.

Additionally, both President Trump and Elon Musk have attacked USAID and its partners as a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.” This is insulting to all the professionals and patriots who have spent their lives to promote peace and US interests. Right now our “American-alone” policy has given the battlefield to China and Russia, who are singing its praises, and unfortunately will mean a greater likelihood of conflict and military engagement (spending lives and dollars we should not have to afford).

The illegal cancellation of USAID programs is not just something happening overseas. It is affecting our family here. Please contact Congress to help them understand how important foreign assistance supports our safety.

John and Marlene Ingebritson

New Ulm