But while many traditional aid programs have struggled to graduate countries from long-term assistance or deliver on American interests, MCC has proven effective at incentivizing partner nations to embrace good governance, economic freedom, and investment in their people—core drivers of self-sufficiency. These are not just values but conditions for enduring prosperity and promoting U.S. interests abroad. 

That’s why shuttering MCC—an agency I once led under another Republican president—is wrong, both for this White House and this country.

Eliminating MCC would result in negligible savings (its budget is nominal and staff is lean) but would deal a significant blow to America’s global leadership and soft power. Unlike other aid models, MCC delivers time-limited, performance-based investment grants that require measurable reforms and co-investment by the recipient country. The agency’s structure ensures that countries must earn their way in—meeting rigorous standards for the rule of law, democratic governance, and sound economic policies as measured by third-party data. If a country fails to meet those standards, MCC withdraws support. This aid-to-trade approach is designed to help countries graduate from assistance—not become dependent on it.

MCC is also a model of efficiency and data-driven results. It remains the only foreign aid agency in the world to use cost-benefit analysis in investment decisions systematically and consistently ranks at the top for transparency. It has helped direct over a billion dollars in opportunities to American businesses while removing barriers to private-sector growth in partner countries. Projects focus on high-impact infrastructure like roads, power, water, and agriculture, laying the foundation for investment and economic partnerships that align with U.S. commercial interests.

It’s been nearly two decades since I served as chief executive officer of MCC under President George W. Bush, but I have closely watched the MCC model continue to deliver enormous returns for America’s national security, economy, and global leadership. It remains one of the most effective foreign policy tools the U.S. has ever created.

Crucially, MCC’s compact model starkly contrasts China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Instead of debt traps, MCC offers mutual accountability and reform-driven partnerships structured to avoid waste and corruption. This is foreign assistance with guardrails and performance strings attached.

Rather than dismantle MCC, the administration should elevate its model.  Closer alignment with peer institutions like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation would streamline operations, reduce redundancy, and amplify results across the foreign assistance landscape.

President Trump’s reassessment of foreign aid has caused disruption but also affords a rare chance to rebuild around what works. MCC is a tested, scalable model for advancing American interests through disciplined, accountable economic development. Eliminating it would not only be a mistake; it would squander one of the most effective tools to advance U.S. foreign policy and global economic prosperity.

Let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. MCC is the one agency that already does what this administration wants: drives results, demands accountability, and puts American interests first.