Health groups and NGOs are outraged by Trump’s decision to cut 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts, jeopardizing critical humanitarian programs worldwide. The termination will have dire consequences, increasing hunger and health crises. Critics argue this move compromises U.S. international influence and contributes to global instability.
On Thursday, health organizations and non-governmental agencies expressed shock and anger regarding the Trump administration’s decision to terminate 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. This drastic cutback threatens vital humanitarian programs globally that combat hunger, disease, and provide life-saving assistance to millions in need.
The InterAction group, an alliance of NGOs in the United States, warned of dire consequences such as increased hunger among women and children and the potential for heightened health crises. They stated, “This needless suffering will not make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous. Rather, it will breed instability, migration, and desperation.”
According to reports, approximately 10,000 USAID contracts, totaling around $60 billion in aid, have been rescinded. This decision, made shortly after a review of U.S. spending, fundamentally undermines American foreign assistance efforts. Liz Schrayer, president of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, stated that this move compromises U.S. international influence in various regions, particularly amid competition with nations like China and Russia.
In South Africa, the cancellation of USAID funding has raised alarms among health groups, which stated that they have lost critical contracts for HIV programs overnight. Currently, approximately 5.5 million individuals in South Africa are on treatment for HIV, and cuts to U.S. funding jeopardize these essential services, despite the U.S. contributing only 17% of the country’s HIV program’s funding.
The Trump administration’s action has been characterized as part of a broader initiative to reduce government size and reallocate funding, with both Trump and advisor Elon Musk insisting that USAID projects support a liberal agenda and waste taxpayer money. The termination letters cited a lack of alignment with agency priorities as the reason for the funding cuts.
Despite efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure waivers for life-saving programs post-termination, many of these waivers have not been implemented, resulting in the permanent loss of critical funding. After the administration’s swift cuts, many USAID staff members found themselves abruptly dismissed or put on leave, further crippling the agency’s functions.
The Trump administration’s significant reduction of USAID foreign aid contracts poses serious threats to global humanitarian efforts. Organizations warn that the cuts will lead to increased hunger and health crises, particularly among vulnerable populations in regions reliant on U.S. support. The implications of this decision will not only affect immediate assistance programs but may also undermine U.S. standing in international affairs.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
