The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an executive advisory commission in the US led by Elon Musk, created under the Trump Administration, that aims to increase efficiency in national expenditure through reducing financial waste, abolishing agencies deemed unnecessary, and downsizing the government workforce. Recently, DOGE has cancelled several government contracts reportedly valued at $10 billion, notably including the whole of USAID and parts of the Department of Education. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), formed in 1961, had long played a pivotal role in delivering humanitarian aid, promoting democratic governance, and supporting liberal studies programs in developing countries around the world.

Performative allyship refers to actions or statements made in support of a marginalized group. prioritising optics over impact, that are primarily intended to boost the ally's social capital, image, or reputation, rather than to genuinely support or bring about meaningful change for the community.