WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has ended funding to U.N. World Food Program emergency programs helping keep millions alive in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and 11 other impoverished countries, many of them struggling with conflict, according to the organization and officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
The World Food Program, the largest provider of food aid, appealed to the U.S. to roll back the new cuts in a social media post Monday. The unexpected round of contract cancellations has targeted some of the last remaining humanitarian programs run by the U.S. Agency for International Development, according to two U.S. officials, a United Nations official, and documents obtained by the AP.
“This could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” WFP said on X.
The agency said it was in contact with the Trump administration “to urge for continued support” for life-saving programs and thanked the United States and other donors for past contributions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials have pledged to spare emergency food programs and other life-and-death aid from deep cuts to U.S. foreign assistance. There was no immediate comment Monday from the State Department.
The projects were being canceled “for the convenience of the U.S. Government” at the direction of Jeremy Lewin, a top lieutenant at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency who was appointed to oversee the elimination of USAID programs, according to termination notices sent to partners and viewed by the AP.
Programs Targeted by Trump Administration
In Syria, a country battling poverty, hunger, and insecurity after a 13-year civil war and an insurgency by the Islamic State group, some $230 million in contracts with WFP and humanitarian groups were terminated in recent days, according to a State Department document detailing the cuts that was obtained by the AP.
The single largest of the targeted Syria programs, at $111 million, provided bread and other daily food to 1.5 million people, the document says.
About 60 letters canceling contracts were sent over the past week. An official with the United Nations in the Middle East said all U.S. aid to WFP food programs across Yemen, another war-divided country that is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, has been stopped, apparently including food that already had arrived in distribution centers.
WFP also received termination letters for U.S.-funded programs in Lebanon and Jordan, where Syrian refugees would be hit hardest, the U.N. official said.
Some of the last remaining U.S. funding for key programs in Somalia, Afghanistan, and the southern African nation of Zimbabwe also was affected, including for those providing food, water, medical care, and shelter for people displaced by war, one of the U.S. officials said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
Current and former USAID experts and partners said some $560 million in humanitarian aid was cut to Afghanistan, including for emergency food assistance, the treatment of severely malnourished babies, life-saving medical care, safe drinking water, and emergency mental health treatment for survivors of sexual and physical violence.
Another of the notices, sent Friday, abruptly pulled U.S. funding for a program with strong support in Congress that had sent young Afghan women overseas for schooling because of Taliban prohibitions on women’s education, said an administrator for that project, which is run by Texas A&M University.
The young women would now face return to Afghanistan, where their lives would be in danger, according to that administrator, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Larger Impact of Cutting Aid
The abrupt end of WFP programs threatens some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, many of which depend on such food aid, according to humanitarian groups. The U.S. and other donors long have seen efforts to ease humanitarian crises as being in their strategic interest by stemming mass migration, conflicts, and extremism, which struggles for resources can bring.
WFP chief Cindy McCain said in a posting on social media that the cuts “undermine global stability.”
Rubio had notified Congress and courts last month that USAID contract cuts were over, with about 1,000 programs spared worldwide and more than 5,000 others eliminated. That added to the shock of the new cuts.
The Trump administration has accused USAID of wastefulness and advancing liberal causes.
Trump’s freeze on all foreign assistance through USAID and the State Department led to a brief shutdown of services at the al-Hol camp, where tens of thousands of alleged Islamic State fighters and their families are kept under guard.
That shutdown raised fears of an uprising or breakout at the camp. U.S. officials quickly intervened to restore services.
The State Department document obtained by the AP identifies two newly terminated contracts, run by Save the Children and the U.N. Population Fund, which provided mental health services and other care to women and children at al-Hol. It was not immediately clear if any other services were affected at the camp.
The U.S. had been the major funder of the WFP, providing $4.5 billion of the $9.8 billion in donations to the food agency last year.
Future Trends and Implications of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts
The decision to cut funds from key humanitarian programs can have significant ramifications globally, impacting millions of people who rely on aid to survive. This scenario raises questions about the future landscape of international aid, specifically how countries might adjust to reduced U.S. contributions.
Reduced Humanitarian Support
Millions of people in crisis-stricken regions are left vulnerable as they depended on food and medical assistance provided by the World Food Program. For example, in Yemen, where food scarcity is a critical issue, aid cuts could escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis. As highlighted in a recent report by ReliefWeb, without sufficient funding, millions face food insecurity and malnutrition.
Influence on Geopolitical Stability
According to experts, the cessation of U.S. support can destabilize regions already facing conflict, potentially leading to increased migration pressures on Europe and further strain global peace efforts. As Moody’s Analytics pointed out, many countries are concerned about how these cuts might introduce “new layers of instability” to global markets.
Role of Other Countries
Avoiding a humanitarian vacuum, other nations and organizations might need to step in where the U.S. has receded. The European Union and countries like Norway have previously increased their aid, but can they fill the gap left by the U.S.? A look at historical trends shows that a shift from American-led aid to a more European-centered approach could redefine international humanitarian collaborations.
Reflection on USAID’s Past Contributions
USAID has been pivotal in various global health advancements, such as vaccinating children worldwide. Its role has shown that, when aligned with strategic and humanitarian interests, its initiatives do more than alleviate immediate crises—they contribute to long-term global health improvements. As noted in a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, USAID helped eradicate polio in 20 countries.
FAQs About U.S. Foreign Aid and Its Global Impact
What are the primary goals of USAID’s humanitarian aid?
USAID focuses on emergency relief, development assistance, and promoting democracy and economic growth globally.
How significant is the U.S. role in global humanitarian aid?
The U.S. is one of the largest contributors to global humanitarian aid, funding critical programs worldwide aimed at alleviating hunger, providing medical care, and supporting education.
What can be the immediate effects of cutting funds to humanitarian programs?
Immediate effects include increased mortality and morbidity, destabilization in conflict areas, and a rise in extreme poverty rates.
Pro tip: Stay informed on global humanitarian issues by following think tanks such as the Council on Foreign Relations.
Call to Action
As these developments unfold, staying updated and involved is crucial. Consider supporting NGOs or campaigns that aim to fill the gaps left by these funding cuts. Engage with local communities to promote awareness of the vital need for ongoing humanitarian aid. Your voice can advocate for policies that prioritize global stability—a keystone in international relations.
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