WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) – The Trump administration has prepared a proposal to overhaul the structure of how Washington distributes billions of dollars of foreign aid, according to an internal memo that calls for funding fewer areas that it views as better aligned with U.S. It also proposes that any “politically-oriented programs,” such as democracy promotion, religious freedom and women’s empowerment be moved to the State Department to handle directly. While it was not clear how much of the proposal would be adopted, it represents one of the most detailed examinations of how the Trump administration intends to transition USAID, an organization established in 1961 by Democratic President John F. Kennedy. The agency’s new leaders, some of whom were installed this week, laid out the next steps for the coming months in a separate internal USAID email sent on Wednesday. The memo argues the current U.S. The other priorities are to ensure the “safety, dignity and productivity” of USAID personnel during the transition and to work with Congress and Rubio to formulate a vision for how USAID is handed over to the State Department. U.S. assistance. It says funding should be allocated with a narrower, strategic focus. A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from proceeding with shutting down USAID, saying their efforts to close the agency likely violated the U.S. The memo was first reported by Politico. One of the key priorities, they said in the email seen by Reuters, would be to administer the around 1,000 ongoing life-saving humanitarian aid programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for review, a source familiar with the document said. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance. USAID itself has been largely dismantled, with much of its staff put on leave or let go and more than 80% of its grants terminated. It was not immediately clear how the ruling would affect USAID operations or whether it would lead to reinstating any of its staff. The internal memo will be sent to U.S. The new “specialized” body would be embedded in the State Department and its mandate limited to humanitarian assistance, disaster response, global health and food security. The proposal, seen by Reuters, comes during an unprecedented push by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to shrink the federal government, which they say misuses taxpayer money for causes that do not advance U.S. The proposal calls for the elimination of nearly two dozen USAID bureaus and for renaming the agency to U.S. The memo was signed by Kenneth Jackson, who was appointed this week as chief financial officer of USAID and Jeremy Lewin, who was named as chief operating officer and is performing the duties of deputy administrator for policy. Agency for International Development worldwide, have jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid, throwing into chaos global humanitarian relief efforts. That action, and ensuing stop-work orders halting many programs of the U.S. State Department spokesperson said when asked about the memo. Lewin was named as a DOGE staffer this month by the COO of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all U.S.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver.
Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver (enquiry) or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. So she decided to make her own. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil.
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Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day.