US President Donald Trump has once again criticised USAID funding to India, this time labeling the $21 million allocated for "voter turnout" as "a kickback scheme". Trump didn't provide evidence or clarify who benefited from the alleged scheme.
The BJP responded to Trump's comments, accusing Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of seeking foreign interference in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. They pointed to Gandhi's remarks at a London event as evidence.
"$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems... it's a kickback scheme, you know," Trump said at a Republican Governors' conference.
"In many cases, many of these cases actually, you have no idea what we&rsquo;re talking about. That means there's a kickback because nobody has any idea what's going on," Trump said.
Trump's latest allegation comes a day after he questioned a move by former president Joe Biden's administration to provide $21 million to India for "voter turnout" and questioned if they were "trying to get somebody else elected".
"USD 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government... This is a total breakthrough," he said.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tractor-drivers-reckless-stunt-for-social-media-reel-turns-deadly-kills-10th-grade-student-in-up-8742054">India | Tractor driver's reckless stunt for social media reel turns deadly, kills 10th-grade student in UP</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">BJP reacts</h2>
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the USAID funds to India were used to sustain "deep-state assets".&nbsp;
While sharing Trump's video on X, Malviya stated, "A day after US President Donald Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funnelled into Bangladesh. This time, he has also mentioned kickbacks. Essentially, this money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kiit-suicide-five-more-arrested-for-allegedly-assaulting-nepalese-students-8741974">KIIT suicide: Five more arrested for allegedly assaulting Nepalese students</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Jairam Ramesh demands a White Paper</h2>
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress's senior leader and communications in-charge, has hit back with a demand for a White Paper.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-second-term-sparks-controversy-57-pc-of-americans-say-hes-overstepped-authority-8742467">Trump's second term sparks controversy: 57 pc of Americans say he&rsquo;s overstepped authority</a>
In a post on X, Mr Ramesh said: "USAID is very much in the news these days. It was set up on November 3, 1961. Claims being made by the US President are typically nonsensical to say the least. Even so, the Govt of India should bring out a White Paper at the earliest detailing USAID's support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India over the decades".
(With inputs from agencies)

US President Trump criticised USAID's $21 million funding to India for voter turnout, calling it a kickback scheme, though he provided no evidence or details on beneficiaries.

US President Donald Trump has once again criticised USAID funding to India, this time labeling the $21 million allocated for "voter turnout" as "a kickback scheme". Trump didn't provide evidence or clarify who benefited from the alleged scheme. The BJP responded to Trump's comments, accusing Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of seeking foreign interference in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. They pointed to Gandhi's remarks at a London event as evidence. "$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems... it's a kickback scheme, you know," Trump said at a Republican Governors' conference. "In many cases, many of these cases actually, you have no idea what we’re talking about. That means there's a kickback because nobody has any idea what's going on," Trump said. Trump's latest allegation comes a day after he questioned a move by former president Joe Biden's administration to provide $21 million to India for "voter turnout" and questioned if they were "trying to get somebody else elected". "USD 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government... This is a total breakthrough," he said. Also read | India | Tractor driver's reckless stunt for social media reel turns deadly, kills 10th-grade student in UP BJP reacts BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the USAID funds to India were used to sustain "deep-state assets". While sharing Trump's video on X, Malviya stated, "A day after US President Donald Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funnelled into Bangladesh. This time, he has also mentioned kickbacks. Essentially, this money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India." Also read | KIIT suicide: Five more arrested for allegedly assaulting Nepalese students Jairam Ramesh demands a White Paper Jairam Ramesh, the Congress's senior leader and communications in-charge, has hit back with a demand for a White Paper. Also read | Trump's second term sparks controversy: 57 pc of Americans say he’s overstepped authority In a post on X, Mr Ramesh said: "USAID is very much in the news these days. It was set up on November 3, 1961. Claims being made by the US President are typically nonsensical to say the least. Even so, the Govt of India should bring out a White Paper at the earliest detailing USAID's support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India over the decades". (With inputs from agencies)

'Kickback Scheme': Trump criticises USAID funding to India, BJP targets Rahul Gandhi

Former US President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the reasoning for allocating $21 million towards voter turnout efforts in India through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Watch in for more details!

Trump alleges USAID used $21mn to influence India Polls

The Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers.
Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance.
Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we&rsquo;re still able to,&rdquo; The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. &ldquo;Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-alludes-to-usaid-interference-in-indias-elections-they-were-trying-to-get-somebody-else-elected-8738323">Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected'</a>
According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus.
&ldquo;We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we&rsquo;re not sure if that will succeed,&rdquo; said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report.
&ldquo;Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it&rsquo;s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.&rdquo;
<h2>Risk of global spread of disease</h2>
Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US.
&ldquo;Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,&rdquo; a US-based researcher told the Guardian. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there&rsquo;s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-trumps-foreign-aid-freeze-as-usaid-faces-mass-layoffs-8721486">Judge blocks Trump&rsquo;s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs</a>
In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme.
<h2>Legal challenges</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-fires-usaid-inspector-general-report-8714191">US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report</a>
USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC.
&ldquo;I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,&rdquo; a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox or other pandemics reaching the US.

The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers. Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance. Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year. “It’s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we’re still able to,” The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. “Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.” Also read | Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected' According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus. “We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we’re not sure if that will succeed,” said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report. “Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it’s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.” Risk of global spread of disease Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US. “Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,” a US-based researcher told the Guardian. “It’s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there’s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.” Also read | Judge blocks Trump’s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme. Legal challenges Trump’s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future. Also read | US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC. “I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,” a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Does Trump’s decision to dismantle USAID risk mpox global emergency? Here’s what experts say

A federal judge has ordered a temporary lift on a freeze on funding to US aid and development programs ordered by President Donald Trump's administration, court documents seen by AFP on Friday showed.
Judge Amir Ali, who was appointed by Joe Biden in November, prohibited the Trump administration from "suspending, pausing, or otherwise preventing" foreign assistance funds, according to Thursday's ruling.
The Trump administration has frozen foreign aid funding, ordered thousands of internationally based staff to return to the United States and begun slashing the US Agency for International Development (USAID) headcount of 10,000 employees to around only 300.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-new-language-tests-spark-controversy-critics-claim-even-natives-would-struggle-to-pass-8721446">French new language tests spark controversy, critics claim even natives would struggle to pass</a>
This has put the work of USAID in some of the world's poorest countries in doubt. The agency has an annual budget of $42.8 billion, representing 42 percent of humanitarian aid disbursed worldwide.&nbsp;
The new court order also stops the government from "issuing, implementing, enforcing, or otherwise giving effect to terminations, suspensions, or stop-work orders" in relation to existing contracts as of January 19, 2025.
The ruling said that the "stated purpose in implementing the suspension of all foreign aid is to provide the opportunity to review programs for their efficiency and consistency with priorities."
"However, at least to date, Defendants have not offered any explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid, which set off a shockwave and upended reliance interests for thousands of agreements with businesses, nonprofits, and organizations around the country, was a rational precursor to reviewing programs," it said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-three-israeli-hostages-set-to-be-released-tomorrow-8721288">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages set to be released tomorrow</a>
The plaintiffs in the case are or represent groups of small and large businesses and health and journalistic nonprofits that receive federal grant money to perform foreign assistance work.
The plaintiffs "have moved for a temporary restraining order, with evidence detailing the devastating effects on American businesses and nonprofits, which have been forced to shut down programs, to furlough or lay off employees, and in some instances to shutter altogether as a result of the challenged action."
'Woodchipper'
Trump, who began his second term last month, has launched a campaign led by his top donor Elon Musk, the world's richest man, to downsize or dismantle swaths of the US government.
The most concentrated fire has been on USAID, the primary organization for distributing US humanitarian aid around the world with health and emergency programs in around 120 countries.
Trump has said USAID was "run by radical lunatics" and Musk has described it as a "criminal organisation" needing to be put "through the woodchipper."
Newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that USAID, founded by his uncle, slain president John F. Kennedy, has become a "sinister propagator of totalitarianism."&nbsp;
Trump fired the independent inspector general for USAID this week, US media outlets reported.
Paul Martin's dismissal came a day after his office issued a report critical of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, the Washington Post, CNN and others reported.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Judge Amir Ali, who was appointed by Joe Biden in November, prohibited the Trump administration from "suspending, pausing, or otherwise preventing" foreign assistance funds, according to Thursday's ruling.

A federal judge has ordered a temporary lift on a freeze on funding to US aid and development programs ordered by President Donald Trump's administration, court documents seen by AFP on Friday showed. Judge Amir Ali, who was appointed by Joe Biden in November, prohibited the Trump administration from "suspending, pausing, or otherwise preventing" foreign assistance funds, according to Thursday's ruling. The Trump administration has frozen foreign aid funding, ordered thousands of internationally based staff to return to the United States and begun slashing the US Agency for International Development (USAID) headcount of 10,000 employees to around only 300. Also read: French new language tests spark controversy, critics claim even natives would struggle to pass This has put the work of USAID in some of the world's poorest countries in doubt. The agency has an annual budget of $42.8 billion, representing 42 percent of humanitarian aid disbursed worldwide. The new court order also stops the government from "issuing, implementing, enforcing, or otherwise giving effect to terminations, suspensions, or stop-work orders" in relation to existing contracts as of January 19, 2025. The ruling said that the "stated purpose in implementing the suspension of all foreign aid is to provide the opportunity to review programs for their efficiency and consistency with priorities." "However, at least to date, Defendants have not offered any explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid, which set off a shockwave and upended reliance interests for thousands of agreements with businesses, nonprofits, and organizations around the country, was a rational precursor to reviewing programs," it said. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages set to be released tomorrow The plaintiffs in the case are or represent groups of small and large businesses and health and journalistic nonprofits that receive federal grant money to perform foreign assistance work. The plaintiffs "have moved for a temporary restraining order, with evidence detailing the devastating effects on American businesses and nonprofits, which have been forced to shut down programs, to furlough or lay off employees, and in some instances to shutter altogether as a result of the challenged action." 'Woodchipper' Trump, who began his second term last month, has launched a campaign led by his top donor Elon Musk, the world's richest man, to downsize or dismantle swaths of the US government. The most concentrated fire has been on USAID, the primary organization for distributing US humanitarian aid around the world with health and emergency programs in around 120 countries. Trump has said USAID was "run by radical lunatics" and Musk has described it as a "criminal organisation" needing to be put "through the woodchipper." Newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that USAID, founded by his uncle, slain president John F. Kennedy, has become a "sinister propagator of totalitarianism." Trump fired the independent inspector general for USAID this week, US media outlets reported. Paul Martin's dismissal came a day after his office issued a report critical of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, the Washington Post, CNN and others reported. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Judge blocks Trump’s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs

Elon Musk, leading the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under US President Donald Trump, urged that America should "delete entire agencies" as part of an effort to cut government spending by the US administration. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call on Thursday (Feb 12), the tech mogul talked about bureaucracy, AI, and US foreign policy, etc.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-to-pay-donald-trump-10-million-to-settle-twitter-ban-lawsuit-report-8715849">Elon Musk&rsquo;s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report</a>
"We really have here rule of the bureaucracy as opposed to rule of the people&mdash;democracy," Musk said in the summit. He was seen wearing a t-shirt that has "Tech Support" written on it. Jokingly referring to himself as the "tech support" of the White House, Musk called for the removal of agencies and called them "weed".&nbsp;
"If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," the SpaceX chief said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-agencies-trump-musk-and-doge-have-been-trying-to-dismantle-and-downsize-heres-the-full-list-8714727">US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list</a>
This comes after Musk got the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database. The X owner has further supported Trump's decision to dismantle the USAID (US Agency for International Development).
"A lot of attention has been on USAID, for example," Musk said, adding, "There's like the national endowment for Democracy. But I'm like, 'Okay, well, how much democracy have they achieved lately?"
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-staffer-mistakenly-given-edit-access-to-sensitive-treasury-data-8714741">&lsquo;Promptly corrected&rsquo;: Elon Musk&rsquo;s DOGE staffer was &lsquo;mistakenly&rsquo; given &lsquo;edit&rsquo; access to sensitive Treasury data</a>
Musk claimed that under Trump, the US is &ldquo;less interested in interfering with the affairs of other countries". He said there are times when the US "has been kind of pushy in international affairs, which may resonate with some members of the audience".&nbsp;
&ldquo;Basically, America should mind its own business, rather than push for regime change all over the place,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-elon-musks-son-captures-the-hearts-of-netizens-as-he-accompanies-father-to-oval-office-8714268">Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | The remark comes after Musk received the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database.

Elon Musk, leading the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under US President Donald Trump, urged that America should "delete entire agencies" as part of an effort to cut government spending by the US administration. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call on Thursday (Feb 12), the tech mogul talked about bureaucracy, AI, and US foreign policy, etc. Also read: Elon Musk’s X to pay Donald Trump $10 million to settle Twitter ban lawsuit: Report "We really have here rule of the bureaucracy as opposed to rule of the people—democracy," Musk said in the summit. He was seen wearing a t-shirt that has "Tech Support" written on it. Jokingly referring to himself as the "tech support" of the White House, Musk called for the removal of agencies and called them "weed". "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," the SpaceX chief said. Also read: US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list This comes after Musk got the power to choose brains for the Trump administration and got access to the sensitive federal database. The X owner has further supported Trump's decision to dismantle the USAID (US Agency for International Development). "A lot of attention has been on USAID, for example," Musk said, adding, "There's like the national endowment for Democracy. But I'm like, 'Okay, well, how much democracy have they achieved lately?" Also read: ‘Promptly corrected’: Elon Musk’s DOGE staffer was ‘mistakenly’ given ‘edit’ access to sensitive Treasury data Musk claimed that under Trump, the US is “less interested in interfering with the affairs of other countries". He said there are times when the US "has been kind of pushy in international affairs, which may resonate with some members of the audience". “Basically, America should mind its own business, rather than push for regime change all over the place,” he added. Also read: Watch | Elon Musk's son captures the hearts of netizens as he accompanies father to Oval Office (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk wants removal of entire US agencies, calls them ‘weed’

US President Donald Trump has been taking actions to cut staff at the federal bureaucracy and also dismantling several agencies. Trump on Tuesday (Feb 11) signed a new executive order to limit new hiring and commence a "critical transformation" of government.&nbsp;
Trump has some specific targets, including, foreign aid workers, inspectors general, Jan. 6 investigators, and diversity, equity, and inclusion workers.&nbsp;
Moreover, he has also given wide powers to his close Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cracked down on more than a dozen agencies in search of spending and layoffs.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-fires-usaid-inspector-general-report-8714191">US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report</a>
However, the US federal courts have temporarily halted some of the administration's efforts but many more layoffs across the government are expected in the weeks ahead.&nbsp;
<h2>List of agencies that have been under Trump's radar:</h2>
<h3>United States Agency for International Development (USAID)</h3>
Elon Musk on February 2 announced to shut down USAID, which is responsible for humanitarian efforts across the world. However, the agency's website was taken down before the announcement, which left many aid groups across the globe in the dark.&nbsp;
In the beginning, the Trump administration put nearly 60 senior staffers on leave. &ldquo;We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper,&rdquo; Musk posted on X on Feb 3.
Later, the administration said it would reduce the aid agency's workforce from more than 10,000 to hundreds of staffers. However, a judge temporarily halted the effort for more than 2,000 employees.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/close-it-down-trump-says-nothing-can-be-done-now-as-he-orders-usaid-to-cut-staff-from-10000-to-300-8700543">'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300</a>
<h3>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;</h3>
Elon Musk posted on Feb 7 on X, saying that the employees of the financial industry watchdog, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, may be next. &ldquo;CFPB RIP,&rdquo; he posted on X.&nbsp;
The next day, the acting director of the bureau told the staff of more than 1,700 to effectively halt work.
Employees were asked "not to perform any work tasks" starting Feb 10, and the agency's DC offices are expected to be closed all week.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-linda-mcmahon-puts-herself-out-of-job-by-shutting-down-education-department-8693248">Trump hopes Linda McMahon 'puts herself out of job' by shutting down education&nbsp;department</a>
<h3>Centres of Medicare and Medicaid Services</h3>
The CMS, a subagency of the Department of Health and Human Services, has also been collaborating with DOGE since February 5.&nbsp;
Musk took to X, tweeting a Wall Street Journal article reporting thing, and said, "Yeah, this is where the big money fraud is happening."
<h3>Department of Education</h3>
Musk's DOGE gained access to the Department of Education, which Trump has promised to dismantle despite such an action needing congressional approval, Democratic leaders said.&nbsp;
DOGE reduced the number of employees at the Department of Education, slashing 89 independent research contracts at the department's Institute of Education Sciences worth nearly $900 million.&nbsp;
<h3>Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)</h3>
The Department of Homeland Security on February 11 fired four FEMA officials. This comes a day after Musk posted on X, claiming that he found tens of millions of dollars had been spent by the agency to lodge migrants in New York hotels.&nbsp;
Among the terminated officials were FEMA's chief financial officer, two program analysts, and a grant specialist, according to DHS.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-fema-agency-trump-threatened-to-get-rid-of-during-his-visit-to-north-carolina-8653405">What is FEMA, agency Trump threatened to get rid of during his visit to North Carolina?</a>
<h3>Federal Aviation Administration</h3>
The Department of Transportation and Musk announced earlier this month that he had access to FAA technologies to make "rapid safety upgrades", Musk posted on X.&nbsp;
The next day, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, arguing that it was a &ldquo;conflict of interest for someone whose company is regulated by the federal government to be involved in anything that affects his personal financial interest, his company, or his competitors.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Trump has some specific targets, including, foreign aid workers, inspectors general, Jan. 6 investigators, and diversity, equity, and inclusion workers.

US President Donald Trump has been taking actions to cut staff at the federal bureaucracy and also dismantling several agencies. Trump on Tuesday (Feb 11) signed a new executive order to limit new hiring and commence a "critical transformation" of government. Trump has some specific targets, including, foreign aid workers, inspectors general, Jan. 6 investigators, and diversity, equity, and inclusion workers. Moreover, he has also given wide powers to his close Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cracked down on more than a dozen agencies in search of spending and layoffs. Also read: US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report However, the US federal courts have temporarily halted some of the administration's efforts but many more layoffs across the government are expected in the weeks ahead. List of agencies that have been under Trump's radar: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Elon Musk on February 2 announced to shut down USAID, which is responsible for humanitarian efforts across the world. However, the agency's website was taken down before the announcement, which left many aid groups across the globe in the dark. In the beginning, the Trump administration put nearly 60 senior staffers on leave. “We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper,” Musk posted on X on Feb 3. Later, the administration said it would reduce the aid agency's workforce from more than 10,000 to hundreds of staffers. However, a judge temporarily halted the effort for more than 2,000 employees. Also read: 'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Elon Musk posted on Feb 7 on X, saying that the employees of the financial industry watchdog, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, may be next. “CFPB RIP,” he posted on X. The next day, the acting director of the bureau told the staff of more than 1,700 to effectively halt work. Employees were asked "not to perform any work tasks" starting Feb 10, and the agency's DC offices are expected to be closed all week. Also read: Trump hopes Linda McMahon 'puts herself out of job' by shutting down education department Centres of Medicare and Medicaid Services The CMS, a subagency of the Department of Health and Human Services, has also been collaborating with DOGE since February 5. Musk took to X, tweeting a Wall Street Journal article reporting thing, and said, "Yeah, this is where the big money fraud is happening." Department of Education Musk's DOGE gained access to the Department of Education, which Trump has promised to dismantle despite such an action needing congressional approval, Democratic leaders said. DOGE reduced the number of employees at the Department of Education, slashing 89 independent research contracts at the department's Institute of Education Sciences worth nearly $900 million. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) The Department of Homeland Security on February 11 fired four FEMA officials. This comes a day after Musk posted on X, claiming that he found tens of millions of dollars had been spent by the agency to lodge migrants in New York hotels. Among the terminated officials were FEMA's chief financial officer, two program analysts, and a grant specialist, according to DHS. Also read: What is FEMA, agency Trump threatened to get rid of during his visit to North Carolina? Federal Aviation Administration The Department of Transportation and Musk announced earlier this month that he had access to FAA technologies to make "rapid safety upgrades", Musk posted on X. The next day, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, arguing that it was a “conflict of interest for someone whose company is regulated by the federal government to be involved in anything that affects his personal financial interest, his company, or his competitors. (With inputs from agencies)

US agencies Trump, Musk and DOGE have been trying to dismantle and downsize. Here's the full list

US President Donald Trump has fired Paul Martin, the independent inspector general for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US media outlets reported on Wednesday (Feb 12). Martin's dismissal came a day after his office issued a report critical of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, the Washington Post, CNN and others reported.
They cited a two-sentence email from the White House sent on Tuesday to Martin telling him his position was "terminated, effective immediately," but with no explanation of the reasons for the decision.
His office's report had warned that more than $489 million in food assistance was at risk of spoilage or potential diversion after the Trump administration implemented an aid freeze and stop-work order.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/close-it-down-trump-says-nothing-can-be-done-now-as-he-orders-usaid-to-cut-staff-from-10000-to-300-8700543">'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300</a>
The report said it had long "identified significant challenges and offered recommendations to improve Agency programming to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse."
"However, recent widespread staffing reductions across the Agency... coupled with uncertainty about the scope of foreign assistance waivers and permissible communications with implementers, has degraded USAID's ability to distribute and safeguard taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-condoms-worth-15mn-for-taliban-to-1mn-for-lgbtq-propaganda-shocking-spending-by-usaid-under-biden-8698860">From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ 'propaganda', 'shocking spending by USAID under Biden</a>
Trump had already fired 18 inspectors general, who are independent watchdogs of the federal government, but Martin, appointed by Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, had remained in place.
Trump, who began his second term last month, has launched a crusade led by his top donor, Elon Musk, the world's richest man, to downsize or dismantle swaths of the US government.
The most concentrated fire has been on USAID, the primary organisation for distributing US humanitarian aid around the world with health and emergency programmes in around 120 countries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-places-usaid-global-staff-on-leave-orders-them-to-return-home-8694295">Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home</a>
USAID manages a budget of $42.8 billion, representing 42 per cent of humanitarian aid disbursed worldwide.
It was seen as a vital source of soft power for the United States in its struggle for influence with rivals, including China.
The Trump administration has frozen foreign aid, ordered thousands of internationally based staff to return to the United States, and begun slashing the USAID headcount of 10,000 employees to around only 300.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usaid-chief-unveils-more-than-500-million-aid-during-ukraine-visit-616727">USAID chief unveils more than $500 million aid during Ukraine visit</a>
Labour unions are challenging the legality of the onslaught. A federal judge ordered a pause on Friday to the administration's plan to put 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave by the weekend.
Democrats say it would be unconstitutional for Trump to shut down government agencies without the legislature's approval.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

WORLD | US President Donald Trump has fired the independent inspector general for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US media outlets reported on Wednesday (Feb 12). 

US President Donald Trump has fired Paul Martin, the independent inspector general for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US media outlets reported on Wednesday (Feb 12). Martin's dismissal came a day after his office issued a report critical of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency, the Washington Post, CNN and others reported. They cited a two-sentence email from the White House sent on Tuesday to Martin telling him his position was "terminated, effective immediately," but with no explanation of the reasons for the decision. His office's report had warned that more than $489 million in food assistance was at risk of spoilage or potential diversion after the Trump administration implemented an aid freeze and stop-work order. Also read: 'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300 The report said it had long "identified significant challenges and offered recommendations to improve Agency programming to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse." "However, recent widespread staffing reductions across the Agency... coupled with uncertainty about the scope of foreign assistance waivers and permissible communications with implementers, has degraded USAID's ability to distribute and safeguard taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance." Also read: From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ 'propaganda', 'shocking spending by USAID under Biden Trump had already fired 18 inspectors general, who are independent watchdogs of the federal government, but Martin, appointed by Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, had remained in place. Trump, who began his second term last month, has launched a crusade led by his top donor, Elon Musk, the world's richest man, to downsize or dismantle swaths of the US government. The most concentrated fire has been on USAID, the primary organisation for distributing US humanitarian aid around the world with health and emergency programmes in around 120 countries. Also read: Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home USAID manages a budget of $42.8 billion, representing 42 per cent of humanitarian aid disbursed worldwide. It was seen as a vital source of soft power for the United States in its struggle for influence with rivals, including China. The Trump administration has frozen foreign aid, ordered thousands of internationally based staff to return to the United States, and begun slashing the USAID headcount of 10,000 employees to around only 300. Also read: USAID chief unveils more than $500 million aid during Ukraine visit Labour unions are challenging the legality of the onslaught. A federal judge ordered a pause on Friday to the administration's plan to put 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave by the weekend. Democrats say it would be unconstitutional for Trump to shut down government agencies without the legislature's approval. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report

The US exit from the WHO and the freeze announced on USAID funding are devastating moves that will have drastic effects on the health of millions of people in Africa. President Trump's move has angered many on the continent.

Outrage following President Trump's freeze of USAID

South Africa on Saturday condemned a "campaign of misinformation" after US President Donald Trump issued an order freezing aid to the country over a law he alleges allows land to be seized from white farmers.
"We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation," the government said.
Land ownership is a contentious issue in South Africa, with most farmland still owned by white people three decades after the end of apartheid. It is a legacy of a policy of expropriating land from the black population that endured during apartheid and the colonial period before it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-forms-new-government-pm-nawaf-salam-vows-reform-and-salvation-8703452">Lebanon forms new government, PM Nawaf Salam vows &lsquo;reform and salvation&rsquo;</a>
"It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favour among decision-makers in the United States of America," Pretoria said.
Trump claimed on Friday the law would "enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation".
The allegation came in an executive order, which also noted foreign policy clashes between the United States and South Africa over the war in Gaza, particularly Pretoria's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
South Africa's foreign ministry said it "has taken note" of Trump's executive order but added: "It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-to-reinstate-doge-staffer-ousted-over-racist-posts-after-trump-vance-back-him-8703410">&lsquo;To err is human&rsquo;: Musk to reinstate DOGE staffer ousted over racist posts after Trump, Vance back him</a>
"It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship."
The South African president's office has denied any intention of &ldquo;seizing lands".
Trump's executive order pledges to assist the &ldquo;ethnic minority Afrikaners" -- descendants of the first European settlers, including offering refugee status to what it said were "racially disfavoured landowners".
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Saturday that "persecuted South African farmers and other innocent victims being targeted solely based on their race who choose to resettle in America will be welcome."
"The United States will also defend the rights and interests of those remaining descendants of settlers threatened with expropriation without compensation and other intolerable abuses," she said on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-preparing-for-war-not-peace-or-negotiations-zelensky-claims-8703418">'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations': Zelensky claims</a>
<h2>'Afrikaners or Amerikaners?'</h2>
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a national address on Thursday his country would not be "intimidated" by the United States.
"We are witnessing the rise of nationalism, protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause," Ramaphosa said.
Trump made a blanket claim that the South African land law would allow the government to seize Afrikaners' property "without compensation".
The law, which came into force in January, clarifies the legal framework for expropriations. Most legal experts stress it does not add new content.
It allows the government, as a matter of public interest, to decide on expropriations without compensation -- but only in certain exceptional circumstances where it would be "just and equitable".
For several days, South Africans of all racial origins have taken to social media to mock the US stance.
"Should we now call them Amerikaners?" quipped one person on Saturday.
"Should we expect wine estates or safari reserves to be evacuated?" joked another. Most estates and private reserves in the country belong to white families.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mark-wahlbergs-flight-risk-may-be-heading-for-digital-release-8702711">Mark Wahlberg's&nbsp;Flight Risk may be heading for digital release</a>
On Saturday, Afriforum, a small organisation dedicated to "protecting and promoting the Afrikaner identity", expressed its "great appreciation" to Trump, while stressing that white South Africans' place was in their home country.
White South Africans make up around seven percent of the population, according to date from 2022. Afrikaners make up a proportion of that group.
Trump's ally Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa under apartheid, has accused Ramaphosa's government of having "openly racist ownership laws".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

World: South Africa's foreign ministry said it "has taken note" of Trump's executive order but added: "It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy."

South Africa on Saturday condemned a "campaign of misinformation" after US President Donald Trump issued an order freezing aid to the country over a law he alleges allows land to be seized from white farmers. "We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation," the government said. Land ownership is a contentious issue in South Africa, with most farmland still owned by white people three decades after the end of apartheid. It is a legacy of a policy of expropriating land from the black population that endured during apartheid and the colonial period before it. Also read: Lebanon forms new government, PM Nawaf Salam vows ‘reform and salvation’ "It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favour among decision-makers in the United States of America," Pretoria said. Trump claimed on Friday the law would "enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation". The allegation came in an executive order, which also noted foreign policy clashes between the United States and South Africa over the war in Gaza, particularly Pretoria's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. South Africa's foreign ministry said it "has taken note" of Trump's executive order but added: "It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid." Also read: ‘To err is human’: Musk to reinstate DOGE staffer ousted over racist posts after Trump, Vance back him "It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship." The South African president's office has denied any intention of “seizing lands". Trump's executive order pledges to assist the “ethnic minority Afrikaners" -- descendants of the first European settlers, including offering refugee status to what it said were "racially disfavoured landowners". State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Saturday that "persecuted South African farmers and other innocent victims being targeted solely based on their race who choose to resettle in America will be welcome." "The United States will also defend the rights and interests of those remaining descendants of settlers threatened with expropriation without compensation and other intolerable abuses," she said on X. Also read: 'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations': Zelensky claims 'Afrikaners or Amerikaners?' President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a national address on Thursday his country would not be "intimidated" by the United States. "We are witnessing the rise of nationalism, protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause," Ramaphosa said. Trump made a blanket claim that the South African land law would allow the government to seize Afrikaners' property "without compensation". The law, which came into force in January, clarifies the legal framework for expropriations. Most legal experts stress it does not add new content. It allows the government, as a matter of public interest, to decide on expropriations without compensation -- but only in certain exceptional circumstances where it would be "just and equitable". For several days, South Africans of all racial origins have taken to social media to mock the US stance. "Should we now call them Amerikaners?" quipped one person on Saturday. "Should we expect wine estates or safari reserves to be evacuated?" joked another. Most estates and private reserves in the country belong to white families. Also read: Mark Wahlberg's Flight Risk may be heading for digital release On Saturday, Afriforum, a small organisation dedicated to "protecting and promoting the Afrikaner identity", expressed its "great appreciation" to Trump, while stressing that white South Africans' place was in their home country. White South Africans make up around seven percent of the population, according to date from 2022. Afrikaners make up a proportion of that group. Trump's ally Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa under apartheid, has accused Ramaphosa's government of having "openly racist ownership laws". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Africa slams Trump’s aid freeze over land reform ‘misinformation’

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that the USAID is driving the "radical left" crazy but they can not do anything about it. He stressed that the "corruption" is at levels rarely seen before".&nbsp;
Trump took to Truth Social and posted, "USAID is driving the radical left crazy, and there is nothing they can do about it because the way in which the money has been spent, so much of it fraudulently, is totally unexplainable."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-condoms-worth-15mn-for-taliban-to-1mn-for-lgbtq-propaganda-shocking-spending-by-usaid-under-biden-8698860" rel="dofollow">From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ propaganda, shocking spending by USAID under Biden</a>
He further stressed to "close it down".&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113963085497636545/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid Trump's move.&nbsp;
Some of the essential staff are already set to be placed on administration leave at midnight on Friday. According to an online notice, a plan is being prepared for return travel and the termination of non-essential contractors.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-places-usaid-global-staff-on-leave-orders-them-to-return-home-8694295" rel="dofollow">Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home</a>
Amid this cut on USAID, hundreds of programmes have already been frozen in countries worldwide.&nbsp;
Moreover, the US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging &ldquo;USAID is being run by radical lunatics", vowing he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. It included allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban for funding LGBTQ propaganda.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-elon-musk-usaid-staff-told-to-work-remotely-us-news-8687844" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow insubordination&rsquo;: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director</a>
The critics reacted to the foreign aid cuts, saying that it could have dire consequences for global aid efforts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s outrageous,&rdquo; said J Brian Atwood, who led USAID for over six years. He warned that gutting the agency would effectively dismantle a program that has saved millions of lives. &ldquo;A lot of people will not survive,&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790" rel="dofollow">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid US President Donald Trump's move. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 7) said that the USAID is driving the "radical left" crazy but they can not do anything about it. He stressed that the "corruption" is at levels rarely seen before". Trump took to Truth Social and posted, "USAID is driving the radical left crazy, and there is nothing they can do about it because the way in which the money has been spent, so much of it fraudulently, is totally unexplainable." Also read: From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ propaganda, shocking spending by USAID under Biden He further stressed to "close it down". The US aid agency could see its staff reduced from about 10,000 workers to around 300 workers amid Trump's move. Some of the essential staff are already set to be placed on administration leave at midnight on Friday. According to an online notice, a plan is being prepared for return travel and the termination of non-essential contractors. Also read: Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home Amid this cut on USAID, hundreds of programmes have already been frozen in countries worldwide. Moreover, the US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging “USAID is being run by radical lunatics", vowing he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency. Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. It included allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban for funding LGBTQ propaganda. Also read: ‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director The critics reacted to the foreign aid cuts, saying that it could have dire consequences for global aid efforts. “That’s outrageous,” said J Brian Atwood, who led USAID for over six years. He warned that gutting the agency would effectively dismantle a program that has saved millions of lives. “A lot of people will not survive,” Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk (With inputs from agencies)

'Close it down': Trump says 'nothing can be done now' as he orders USAID to cut staff from 10,000 to 300

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is under heavy scrutiny after a crackdown by the Donald Trump administration. The US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging &ldquo;USAID is being run by radical lunatics." He vowed he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-places-usaid-global-staff-on-leave-orders-them-to-return-home-8694295">Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home</a>
From allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban to funding LGBTQ 'propaganda', here are some major spendings:&nbsp;
<h2>$15 million for condoms for the Taliban&nbsp;</h2>
In a shocking claim, Mast said the USAID allocated condoms worth $15 million to the Afghanistan-ruling Taliban, an extremist group known for curbing women's rights in the country. Mocking the expenditure, Mast said, "I don't think anybody's going to die because we don't give the Taliban any more condoms."&nbsp;
<h2>$446,000 to promote atheism</h2>
Mast further claimed in the video that around half a million dollars were used to promote atheism in Nepal through the State Department.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-elon-musk-usaid-staff-told-to-work-remotely-us-news-8687844">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow insubordination&rsquo;: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director</a>
<h2>$350 million for a pier in Gaza&nbsp;</h2>
It was also claimed in the video that a massive sum of $350 million was spent to build a pier in Gaza, allegedly to facilitate humanitarian aid in the region.&nbsp;
<h2>$1 million to boost French-speaking LGBTQ groups</h2>
USAID, through the State Department, funded LGBTQ activism in West and Central Africa with a sum of $1 million.
<h2>$47,000 for transgender opera&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
It was further claimed that the US government under the Biden administration spent around $47,000 to fund a transgender-themed opera in Columbia.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="400" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OuOj9ohMCqc?feature=oembed" title="hey liberals - watch this" class="publive-iframes-block publive-YouTube-block" id="PL_iframe_block-m6uiyjla-itkri4lp-1nale2fw"></iframe>
<h2>$20,600 for drag show</h2>
Furthermore, USAID, as per Mast, paid a significant amount of $20,600 to fund drag performances in Ecuador. He further said that Fundaci&oacute;n Di&aacute;logo Diverso, an LGBTQ organisation in Ecuador, received nearly $75,000 over three years. The fund was used to organise a two-day drag workshop and the event was documented as well.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usaid-to-grant-115-million-in-aid-to-el-salvador-to-stem-migration-391524">USAID to grant $115 million in aid to El Salvador to stem migration</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | In a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. 

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is under heavy scrutiny after a crackdown by the Donald Trump administration. The US president signed an executive order to pause foreign assistance by the agency for 90 days, alleging “USAID is being run by radical lunatics." He vowed he would end the "waste, fraud and abuse" by the agency. Meanwhile, in a video on the social media platform YouTube, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast exposed a list of shocking spending by the agency. Also read: Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home From allocating condoms worth millions to the Taliban to funding LGBTQ 'propaganda', here are some major spendings: $15 million for condoms for the Taliban In a shocking claim, Mast said the USAID allocated condoms worth $15 million to the Afghanistan-ruling Taliban, an extremist group known for curbing women's rights in the country. Mocking the expenditure, Mast said, "I don't think anybody's going to die because we don't give the Taliban any more condoms." $446,000 to promote atheism Mast further claimed in the video that around half a million dollars were used to promote atheism in Nepal through the State Department. Also read: ‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director $350 million for a pier in Gaza It was also claimed in the video that a massive sum of $350 million was spent to build a pier in Gaza, allegedly to facilitate humanitarian aid in the region. $1 million to boost French-speaking LGBTQ groups USAID, through the State Department, funded LGBTQ activism in West and Central Africa with a sum of $1 million. $47,000 for transgender opera Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk It was further claimed that the US government under the Biden administration spent around $47,000 to fund a transgender-themed opera in Columbia. $20,600 for drag show Furthermore, USAID, as per Mast, paid a significant amount of $20,600 to fund drag performances in Ecuador. He further said that Fundación Diálogo Diverso, an LGBTQ organisation in Ecuador, received nearly $75,000 over three years. The fund was used to organise a two-day drag workshop and the event was documented as well. Also read: USAID to grant $115 million in aid to El Salvador to stem migration (With inputs from agencies)

From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ 'propaganda', 'shocking spending by USAID under Biden

The US government's giant humanitarian agency USAID on Tuesday announced it was placing its staff in the United States and around the world on administrative leave as it moved to recall employees from overseas postings.
The agency said in a statement on its website&mdash;which reappeared Tuesday after going dark over the weekend&mdash;that the staff leave will begin shortly before midnight on February 7.&nbsp;
The administrative leave will hit "all USAID direct hire personnel... with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-elon-musk-usaid-staff-told-to-work-remotely-us-news-8687844">&lsquo;Won&rsquo;t allow insubordination&rsquo;: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director</a>
"Thank you for your service," the statement read.
The move is part of Trump's&mdash;and his billionaire ally Elon Musk's&mdash;radical drive to shrink the US government, which has shocked Washington and caused angry protests from Democrats and the human rights community.&nbsp;
The aid arm of US foreign policy, USAID, funds health and emergency programmes in around 120 countries, including the world's poorest regions.
It is seen as a vital source of soft power for the United States in its struggle for influence with rivals, including China, where Musk has extensive business interests.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
Musk has called USAID "a viper's nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America" and has vowed to shut it down.
Among other criticisms, which Musk has not substantiated, he claims USAID does "rogue CIA work" and even "funded bioweapon research, including Covid-19, that killed millions of people."
The SpaceX and Tesla CEO, who has massive contracts with the US government and was the biggest financial backer of Trump's campaign, said he had personally cleared the unprecedented move with the president.
The assault on USAID comes in the context of long-running narratives on the hard-line conservative and libertarian wings of the Republican Party that the United States wastes money on foreigners while ignoring Americans.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-halts-funding-to-bangladesh-under-usaid-after-trumps-90-day-pause-on-all-foreign-aid-8655603">US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid</a>
The agency describes itself as working "to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity."
As of 2023, the most recent year for which full data was available, the top three recipients of aid from USAID were Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan, according to the Congressional Research Service.&nbsp;
Other top recipients of aid included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Syria.&nbsp;
The scale of USAID's funding for Ukraine is significant, with the war-torn European country receiving more than $16 billion in macroeconomic support, according to US government data.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-near-for-american-aid-agencies-as-usaid-website-goes-offline-amid-trumps-freeze-on-foreign-aid-8684258">End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid</a>
Founded in 1961, the agency's budget of more than $40 billion is a small drop in the US government's overall annual spending of nearly $7 trillion.
The United States is the world's largest provider of official development assistance, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The agency said on its website, which reappeared Tuesday after going dark over the weekend, that the staff leave will begin shortly before midnight on February 7. 

The US government's giant humanitarian agency USAID on Tuesday announced it was placing its staff in the United States and around the world on administrative leave as it moved to recall employees from overseas postings. The agency said in a statement on its website—which reappeared Tuesday after going dark over the weekend—that the staff leave will begin shortly before midnight on February 7. The administrative leave will hit "all USAID direct hire personnel... with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs." Also read: ‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director "Thank you for your service," the statement read. The move is part of Trump's—and his billionaire ally Elon Musk's—radical drive to shrink the US government, which has shocked Washington and caused angry protests from Democrats and the human rights community. The aid arm of US foreign policy, USAID, funds health and emergency programmes in around 120 countries, including the world's poorest regions. It is seen as a vital source of soft power for the United States in its struggle for influence with rivals, including China, where Musk has extensive business interests. Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk Musk has called USAID "a viper's nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America" and has vowed to shut it down. Among other criticisms, which Musk has not substantiated, he claims USAID does "rogue CIA work" and even "funded bioweapon research, including Covid-19, that killed millions of people." The SpaceX and Tesla CEO, who has massive contracts with the US government and was the biggest financial backer of Trump's campaign, said he had personally cleared the unprecedented move with the president. The assault on USAID comes in the context of long-running narratives on the hard-line conservative and libertarian wings of the Republican Party that the United States wastes money on foreigners while ignoring Americans. Also read: US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid The agency describes itself as working "to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity." As of 2023, the most recent year for which full data was available, the top three recipients of aid from USAID were Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan, according to the Congressional Research Service. Other top recipients of aid included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Syria. The scale of USAID's funding for Ukraine is significant, with the war-torn European country receiving more than $16 billion in macroeconomic support, according to US government data. Also read: End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid Founded in 1961, the agency's budget of more than $40 billion is a small drop in the US government's overall annual spending of nearly $7 trillion. The United States is the world's largest provider of official development assistance, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump admin places USAID global staff on leave, orders them to return home

Marco Rubio, currently the US Secretary of State, assumes the role of acting director for USAID, leading the agency's foreign aid initiatives.

Donald Trump appoints Marco Rubio as acting director of USAID

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared on Monday (Feb 3) that he had been put in charge of the US aid agency, saying he would stop its "insubordination" to President Donald Trump's agenda.
"I'm the acting director of USAID," Rubio told reporters on a visit to El Salvador, saying that the agency had not answered questions and "that level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of serious review."
In another development, the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC, was reportedly shut, with staff instructed to remain at home. This move comes as US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump&rsquo;s</a> administration takes further steps towards the agency&rsquo;s possible closure.
According to Devex, a media platform focused on global development, employees received emails late on Sunday night advising them not to report to work the next day. Devex obtained a copy of the email, which was sent to USAID staff based at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790">President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
The message, apparently from &ldquo;senior leadership,&rdquo; was sent just a day after the agency&rsquo;s website was taken offline and shortly after its security director, John Voorhees, along with a deputy, were placed on &ldquo;administrative leave&rdquo; following an incident where they physically prevented the Doge team from accessing restricted areas.
Following this, Doge reportedly gained control over the building&rsquo;s access system, which allowed them to lock out staff and access emails. Additionally, the department sought personnel records and turnstile data, sources claimed.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-agrees-usaid-needs-to-be-shut-down-elon-musk-8686790" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be &lsquo;shut down&rsquo;: Elon Musk</a>
The Sunday night email stated, &ldquo;Agency personnel normally assigned to work at USAID headquarters will work remotely tomorrow, with the exception of personnel with essential on-site and building maintenance functions individually contacted by senior leadership.&rdquo;
<h2>Trump agrees to proposal to shut down USAID: Elon Musk</h2>
On Monday morning, Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. The agency oversees nearly $43 billion in food, humanitarian, and other aid across approximately 130 countries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-near-for-american-aid-agencies-as-usaid-website-goes-offline-amid-trumps-freeze-on-foreign-aid-8684258">End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid</a>
Musk, a billionaire who has frequently labelled USAID a &ldquo;criminal organisation&rdquo; that is &ldquo;beyond repair,&rdquo; said that he had extensively discussed the shutdown plan with Trump, who confirmed his approval.
&ldquo;I actually checked with him a few times [and] said, &lsquo;Are you sure?&rsquo; And so we&rsquo;re shutting it down,&rdquo; Musk was quoted as saying by The Washington Post.
USAID is the world&rsquo;s largest single donor of humanitarian assistance. In the 2023 fiscal year, the US provided $72 billion in global aid. In 2024, the agency contributed 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.
Trump has implemented a worldwide freeze on most US foreign aid as part of his &ldquo;America First&rdquo; policy, a decision that is already having significant repercussions globally. Democrats and other critics have strongly opposed the targeting of USAID by Musk and the Trump administration.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-halts-funding-to-bangladesh-under-usaid-after-trumps-90-day-pause-on-all-foreign-aid-8655603">US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid</a>
&ldquo;No one elected Elon Musk. As Donald Trump allows Musk to access people&rsquo;s personal information and shut down government funding, Republicans in Washington will also own the consequences. We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,&rdquo; wrote Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on X.
Sources familiar with discussions regarding the agency&rsquo;s future informed Reuters on Friday that Trump and Musk are working on a plan to merge USAID and its current $42.8 billion humanitarian budget into the State Department.
(With inputs from agencies)

World:  Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared on Monday (Feb 3) that he had been put in charge of the US aid agency, saying he would stop its "insubordination" to President Donald Trump's agenda. "I'm the acting director of USAID," Rubio told reporters on a visit to El Salvador, saying that the agency had not answered questions and "that level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of serious review." In another development, the headquarters of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC, was reportedly shut, with staff instructed to remain at home. This move comes as US President Donald Trump’s administration takes further steps towards the agency’s possible closure. According to Devex, a media platform focused on global development, employees received emails late on Sunday night advising them not to report to work the next day. Devex obtained a copy of the email, which was sent to USAID staff based at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk The message, apparently from “senior leadership,” was sent just a day after the agency’s website was taken offline and shortly after its security director, John Voorhees, along with a deputy, were placed on “administrative leave” following an incident where they physically prevented the Doge team from accessing restricted areas. Following this, Doge reportedly gained control over the building’s access system, which allowed them to lock out staff and access emails. Additionally, the department sought personnel records and turnstile data, sources claimed. Also read: President Donald Trump agrees USAID needs to be ‘shut down’: Elon Musk The Sunday night email stated, “Agency personnel normally assigned to work at USAID headquarters will work remotely tomorrow, with the exception of personnel with essential on-site and building maintenance functions individually contacted by senior leadership.” Trump agrees to proposal to shut down USAID: Elon Musk On Monday morning, Elon Musk, who has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the federal government, stated on X that the president had agreed to his proposal to shut down USAID. The agency oversees nearly $43 billion in food, humanitarian, and other aid across approximately 130 countries. Also read: End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid Musk, a billionaire who has frequently labelled USAID a “criminal organisation” that is “beyond repair,” said that he had extensively discussed the shutdown plan with Trump, who confirmed his approval. “I actually checked with him a few times [and] said, ‘Are you sure?’ And so we’re shutting it down,” Musk was quoted as saying by The Washington Post. USAID is the world’s largest single donor of humanitarian assistance. In the 2023 fiscal year, the US provided $72 billion in global aid. In 2024, the agency contributed 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations. Trump has implemented a worldwide freeze on most US foreign aid as part of his “America First” policy, a decision that is already having significant repercussions globally. Democrats and other critics have strongly opposed the targeting of USAID by Musk and the Trump administration. Also read: US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid “No one elected Elon Musk. As Donald Trump allows Musk to access people’s personal information and shut down government funding, Republicans in Washington will also own the consequences. We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” wrote Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on X. Sources familiar with discussions regarding the agency’s future informed Reuters on Friday that Trump and Musk are working on a plan to merge USAID and its current $42.8 billion humanitarian budget into the State Department. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Won’t allow insubordination’: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio becomes USAID acting director

Donald Trump criticizes USAID after reports surfaced about its potential merger with the U.S. State Department, calling the agency "run by a bunch of radical lunatics." His remarks add to ongoing debates about the future of U.S. foreign aid.

Donald Trump to decide on future of overseas aid & development agency

Trump slams USAID, calls it "run by radical lunatics" amid merger reports

The website of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) went offline on Saturday without giving any explanation as thousands of furloughs, layoffs, and program shutdowns continued.&nbsp;
This comes after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump </a>froze US-funded foreign aid and development across the world.&nbsp;
Congressional Democrats have been raising concerns saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682" rel="dofollow">'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted</a>
They stressed that Trump has no legal authority to eliminate a congressionally funded independent agency, adding that the work of USAID is important to national security.&nbsp;
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a post on X, saying, presidents cannot eliminate congressionally appropriated federal agencies by executive order, adding that Trump was poised to "double down on a constitutional crisis.&rdquo;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what a despot &mdash; who wants to steal the taxpayers&rsquo; money to enrich his billionaire cabal &mdash; does,&rdquo; Murphy said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-unveils-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-and-china-8682715" rel="dofollow">US President Trump unveils sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China</a>
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, while advising Trump, endorsed the posts on his X site, calling for dissolving USAID.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Live by executive order, die by executive order,&rdquo; Musk posted Saturday in reference to USAID.&nbsp;
The US president and other congressional Republicans have said that the foreign aid and development programs are wasteful.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hints-at-major-steps-with-putin-to-end-ukraine-conflict-8679710" rel="dofollow">Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict</a>
Notably, America is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid by far as it spends less than one percent of its budget on foreign aid, a smaller share overall than some other countries.
USAID was created by former President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, and Kennedy signed that law and an executive order establishing USAID as an independent agency.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Congressional Democrats have been saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department. 

The website of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) went offline on Saturday without giving any explanation as thousands of furloughs, layoffs, and program shutdowns continued. This comes after US President Donald Trump froze US-funded foreign aid and development across the world. Congressional Democrats have been raising concerns saying that Trump may be headed toward ending the USAID as an independent agency and absorbing it into the State Department. Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted They stressed that Trump has no legal authority to eliminate a congressionally funded independent agency, adding that the work of USAID is important to national security. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut shared a post on X, saying, presidents cannot eliminate congressionally appropriated federal agencies by executive order, adding that Trump was poised to "double down on a constitutional crisis.” “That’s what a despot — who wants to steal the taxpayers’ money to enrich his billionaire cabal — does,” Murphy said. Also read: US President Trump unveils sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China Meanwhile, Elon Musk, while advising Trump, endorsed the posts on his X site, calling for dissolving USAID. “Live by executive order, die by executive order,” Musk posted Saturday in reference to USAID. The US president and other congressional Republicans have said that the foreign aid and development programs are wasteful. Also read: Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict Notably, America is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid by far as it spends less than one percent of its budget on foreign aid, a smaller share overall than some other countries. USAID was created by former President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, and Kennedy signed that law and an executive order establishing USAID as an independent agency. (With inputs from agencies)

End near for American aid agencies as USAID website goes offline amid Trump's freeze on foreign aid

As Donald Trump took over the administration in the United States, he has made a series of changes. In his new move, the US has ordered an immediate cease or suspension of any work in Bangladesh under contracts, work orders, grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance or procurement instruments.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a letter that the partners shall not resume work under their awards until they receive a notification in writing from the contracting/agreement officer.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-donald-trump-freezes-foreign-aid-military-funding-for-israel-egypt-8651682" rel="dofollow"> 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted</a>
"Partners shall take all reasonable steps to minimize the incurrence of costs allocable to their awards," the letter read.&nbsp;
The USAID cited Donald Trump in its letter, saying, "This letter is directing all USAID/Bangladesh implementing partners to immediately cease or suspend any work under your USAID/Bangladesh contract, work order, grant, cooperative agreement, or other assistance or acquisition instrument."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
US halts aid to Yunus Regime-led Bangladesh, notifies Dhaka. <a href="https://t.co/T59KxcXPWP">pic.twitter.com/T59KxcXPWP</a>
&mdash; Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanchanGupta/status/1883429723356958967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2025</a>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</blockquote>
Following this decision, bankrupt Bangladesh, which is already dealing with a huge economic crisis, will now battle with even more challenges.&nbsp;
Notably, just hours after Trump was sworn in as US President on Jan 20, he ordered a 90-day pause on US foreign development assistance pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy. However, how his order will turn out was not immediately known.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladeshi-americans-urge-trump-to-intervene-amid-attacks-against-minorities-8577523" rel="dofollow">Bangladeshi Americans urge Trump to intervene amid attacks against minorities</a>
On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes, including possibly for Ukraine, but excluding military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad.&nbsp;
As the world&rsquo;s largest donor of international aid, the US allocated $68 billion to foreign development efforts in 2023, according to official data.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-forcing-importers-to-source-goods-from-pakistan-amidst-tensions-with-india-report-786194" rel="dofollow">Bangladesh 'forcing' importers to source goods from Pakistan amidst tensions with India: Report</a>
Moreover, the US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis and has provided nearly USD 2.4 billion since the violence began in August 2017.&nbsp;
America has also assisted Bangladesh by providing USD 490 million as obligations and another USD 550 million as disbursement in 2023 alone via all its agencies.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Following this decision, bankrupt Bangladesh, which is already dealing with a huge economic crisis, will now battle with even more challenges. 

As Donald Trump took over the administration in the United States, he has made a series of changes. In his new move, the US has ordered an immediate cease or suspension of any work in Bangladesh under contracts, work orders, grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance or procurement instruments. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a letter that the partners shall not resume work under their awards until they receive a notification in writing from the contracting/agreement officer. Also read: 'Manufactured chaos': US freezes nearly all foreign aid including for Ukraine; military funding for Israel, Egypt excempted "Partners shall take all reasonable steps to minimize the incurrence of costs allocable to their awards," the letter read. The USAID cited Donald Trump in its letter, saying, "This letter is directing all USAID/Bangladesh implementing partners to immediately cease or suspend any work under your USAID/Bangladesh contract, work order, grant, cooperative agreement, or other assistance or acquisition instrument." US halts aid to Yunus Regime-led Bangladesh, notifies Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/T59KxcXPWP — Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) January 26, 2025 Following this decision, bankrupt Bangladesh, which is already dealing with a huge economic crisis, will now battle with even more challenges. Notably, just hours after Trump was sworn in as US President on Jan 20, he ordered a 90-day pause on US foreign development assistance pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy. However, how his order will turn out was not immediately known. Also read: Bangladeshi Americans urge Trump to intervene amid attacks against minorities On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a pause on nearly all foreign aid programmes, including possibly for Ukraine, but excluding military funding for Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo circulated to US officials and embassies abroad. As the world’s largest donor of international aid, the US allocated $68 billion to foreign development efforts in 2023, according to official data. Also read: Bangladesh 'forcing' importers to source goods from Pakistan amidst tensions with India: Report Moreover, the US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis and has provided nearly USD 2.4 billion since the violence began in August 2017. America has also assisted Bangladesh by providing USD 490 million as obligations and another USD 550 million as disbursement in 2023 alone via all its agencies. (With inputs from agencies)

US halts funding to Bangladesh under USAID after Trump's 90-day pause on all foreign aid

The United States on Monday will announce nearly $336 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a US Agency for International Development statement seen by Reuters.

The United States on Monday will announce nearly $336 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a US Agency for International Development statement seen by Reuters. The funding, first reported by Reuters, will enable USAID's partners to continue to provide humanitarian aid, including food assistance, healthcare, nutrition, and other services, according to the statement. The funding will also support emergency shelter assistance to displaced Gazans ahead of winter, the statement said. "Over the last year, this conflict has cost the lives of innocent Palestinians and Israelis and has left Gaza and the West Bank in a state of humanitarian crisis and dire humanitarian need," the statement said. "The United States continues to call on all parties to agree to a ceasefire deal and an immediate release of hostages, and to allow for the immediate scale-up of humanitarian aid moving into and throughout Gaza." The war began last Oct. 7 when Hamas gunmen stormed Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swaths of the besieged Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing more than 41,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. Also read: ‘Terrorism has no place in our world,’ PM Narendra Modi speaks to Netanyahu The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been trying unsuccessfully to broker a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. A USAID spokesperson said that agency partners have continued to reach people in Gaza with aid, but added that "barriers to access and insecurity prevent the necessary scaling of assistance to adequately meet the needs of the 2.3 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Gaza." The agency is continuing to work with partners to resolve issues impacting the ability for assistance to reach communities in need, the spokesperson said. The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza during the war and distributing it amid "total lawlessness" in the besieged enclave. Nearly 300 humanitarian aid workers, more than two-thirds of them UN staff, have been killed. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US to announce $336 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, West Bank

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home.

The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water.

USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron.

Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-pulls-out-of-landmark-grain-deal-after-crimea-attack-in-depth-analysis-616651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia.

"We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said.

<h2>"A reckless decision"</h2>

Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the&nbsp;export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely.

"This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-establish-peace-in-ukraine-within-24-hours-of-coming-to-power-616620">Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power</a>

According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six&nbsp;million Ukrainian refugees across Europe.

Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID.

During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency said.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home. The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water. USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron. Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis × Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia. "We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said. "A reckless decision" Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely. "This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said. Also Read | Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six million Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID. During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

USAID chief unveils more than $500 million aid during Ukraine visit

The CDC has been accused of not warning American citizens about monkeys imported from Cambodia which carried deadly pathogens.

Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques

On Tuesday, the United States responded to reports of massive corruption and looting of Washington’s relief aid to Pakistan after devastating floods across the country. The US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that this is something Washington takes “very seriously” and they are also taking regular updates from their partners regarding the ongoing work.&nbsp;

“This is something we take very seriously, not only in Pakistan but anywhere around the world where American taxpayer dollars are implicated and when there is an urgent humanitarian interest at stake, which is clearly the case, in terms of the response to the flooding in Pakistan,” said Price.&nbsp;

The spokesperson also noted that the USAID works with local organisations that have extensive knowledge about the areas affected in Pakistan and their populations, “We also are required to provide regular programme updates on the progress of activities and any security concerns, and we require them — our partners — to immediately report any potential diversions, seizures, or losses immediately,” said Price, according to a report by ANI.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-floods-overflowing-indus-river-turns-part-of-sindh-province-into-wide-lake-512145">Pakistan floods: Overflowing Indus river turns part of Sindh province into wide lake</a>

Additionally, USAID staff also make regular trips to monitor the ongoing programmes in the field, said Price, addressing the steps taken to monitor and ensure adequate tracking mechanisms in the context. He added, “We have what's called a DART — a Disaster Assistance Response Team — and their members travel to more than 10 flood-affected districts in Balochistan, in Sindh province.”

This was done between September 14 and September 27, to assess the humanitarian conditions and response activities and to make sure they are meeting the humanitarian need, indicated Price. According to the state department, this year, the US provided at least $56.5 million in flood relief and humanitarian assistance and an additional $10 million in food security assistance to Pakistan. &nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/catastrophic-floods-will-drive-up-to-9-million-pakistanis-into-poverty-report-523251">Catastrophic floods will drive up to 9 million Pakistanis into poverty: World Bank report</a>

Pakistan witnessed massive floods which wreaked havoc in the country and led to the loss of lives and infrastructure. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at least 1,700 people have died, as of September 30 and more than 12,800 have been injured since June.&nbsp;

The report indicated that more than two million houses have been damaged or destroyed and more than 7.9 &nbsp;million have been displaced due to the floods, said the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) of various provinces affected.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Tuesday, the United States responded to reports of massive corruption and looting of Washington’s relief aid to Pakistan after devastating floods across the country.

On Tuesday, the United States responded to reports of massive corruption and looting of Washington’s relief aid to Pakistan after devastating floods across the country. The US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that this is something Washington takes “very seriously” and they are also taking regular updates from their partners regarding the ongoing work. “This is something we take very seriously, not only in Pakistan but anywhere around the world where American taxpayer dollars are implicated and when there is an urgent humanitarian interest at stake, which is clearly the case, in terms of the response to the flooding in Pakistan,” said Price. The spokesperson also noted that the USAID works with local organisations that have extensive knowledge about the areas affected in Pakistan and their populations, “We also are required to provide regular programme updates on the progress of activities and any security concerns, and we require them — our partners — to immediately report any potential diversions, seizures, or losses immediately,” said Price, according to a report by ANI. ALSO READ: Pakistan floods: Overflowing Indus river turns part of Sindh province into wide lake Additionally, USAID staff also make regular trips to monitor the ongoing programmes in the field, said Price, addressing the steps taken to monitor and ensure adequate tracking mechanisms in the context. He added, “We have what's called a DART — a Disaster Assistance Response Team — and their members travel to more than 10 flood-affected districts in Balochistan, in Sindh province.” This was done between September 14 and September 27, to assess the humanitarian conditions and response activities and to make sure they are meeting the humanitarian need, indicated Price. According to the state department, this year, the US provided at least $56.5 million in flood relief and humanitarian assistance and an additional $10 million in food security assistance to Pakistan. ALSO READ: Catastrophic floods will drive up to 9 million Pakistanis into poverty: World Bank report Pakistan witnessed massive floods which wreaked havoc in the country and led to the loss of lives and infrastructure. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at least 1,700 people have died, as of September 30 and more than 12,800 have been injured since June. The report indicated that more than two million houses have been damaged or destroyed and more than 7.9 million have been displaced due to the floods, said the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) of various provinces affected. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Reports of massive corruption, looting of flood relief to Pakistan from Washington serious, says US

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

"As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lot-of-fear-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-on-troop-pullout-in-afghanistan-389538">'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan</a>

"We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve."

The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-troops-leave-afghanistan-lawmakers-fear-dark-future-for-women-380965">As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women</a>

The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million.

Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/first-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-arrive-in-afghanistan-from-india-361940">First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India</a>

Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-who-helped-us-fear-being-left-behind-and-reprisals-by-taiwan-385647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter.

No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters.

"We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country. "As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said. Also Read | 'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan "We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve." The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls. Also Read | As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million. Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out. Also Read | First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States. Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter. No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government." Also Read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters. "We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred&nbsp;ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ventilators are manufactured in the US and are compact, easy to deploy and provide India with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus, the US embassy said in a statement.

The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the Indian government and the Indian Red Cross Society, donated the second shipment of 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators to assist India in its fight against COVID-19, the statement said.

US Ambassador Kenneth Juster said, "We are very pleased to hand over the final tranche of 100 ventilators to India, fulfilling President Trump's commitment to provide these critically needed supplies to support India's pandemic response."

In addition to the ventilators, USAID is funding a package of support that includes warranties and additional supplies required to operate these machines, such as tubes, filters and other necessary components, the statement said.

USAID is also working in close coordination with the Indian government to enhance the capacity of the health facilities using these ventilators by facilitating setup, orientations and clinical training for health care providers responsible for operating the machines, it said.

The first shipment of 100 ventilators arrived in India on June 14. Since then, the ventilators have been deployed to support the care of COVID-19 patients at the eight regional All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the statement said. "The total donation of 200 ventilators builds on the long history of US-India collaboration in the health sector and the assistance that USAID has committed to India in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.&nbsp;

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The ventilators are manufactured in the US and are compact, easy to deploy and provide India with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus, the US embassy said in a statement. The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the Indian government and the Indian Red Cross Society, donated the second shipment of 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators to assist India in its fight against COVID-19, the statement said. US Ambassador Kenneth Juster said, "We are very pleased to hand over the final tranche of 100 ventilators to India, fulfilling President Trump's commitment to provide these critically needed supplies to support India's pandemic response." In addition to the ventilators, USAID is funding a package of support that includes warranties and additional supplies required to operate these machines, such as tubes, filters and other necessary components, the statement said. USAID is also working in close coordination with the Indian government to enhance the capacity of the health facilities using these ventilators by facilitating setup, orientations and clinical training for health care providers responsible for operating the machines, it said. The first shipment of 100 ventilators arrived in India on June 14. Since then, the ventilators have been deployed to support the care of COVID-19 patients at the eight regional All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the statement said. "The total donation of 200 ventilators builds on the long history of US-India collaboration in the health sector and the assistance that USAID has committed to India in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.

US hands over second shipment of 100 ventilators to India amid COVID-19 crisis

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine.

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement.

Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay.

"This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million."

"We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added.

Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries.

Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community.

The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease.

Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services.

The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis.

The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday. More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement. Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay. "This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million." "We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added. Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries. Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community. The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services. The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis. The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US to give additional $120 million to help Venezuelan migrants

The US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-not-give-aid-to-pakistan-until-it-stops-harbouring-terrorists-nikki-haley-199764">relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived</a> after US President Donald Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

With Islamabad playing a crucial role in peace talks with the Taliban, which may ultimately result in the withdrawal of the 14,000 US troops from war-torn Afghanistan, the Trump administration seems to be reviewing its aid policy to Pakistan.

"We're undergoing a review of our assistance in Pakistan that we hope will be finalised soon. And we'll then report to you in terms of what will be going forward," USAID Administrator Mark Green told members of House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Trump also criticised Pakistan in a Twitter post back in November, saying Islamabad was not doing enough to stop terrorism.

"As with all of our programmes, we have the programme metrics that we use. One thing we're trying to do more of is to shift from outputs to outcomes. So, we have our roadmap with 17 objective metrics that help us measure capacity and commitment in each country where we work or want to work, like Pakistan," Green said in response to another question on Pakistan.

"So more and more we're trying to make sure that we're able to make a difference on the outcome side, hasting the capacity of our host country partners to take on these challenges themselves, although in Pakistan is daunting," he said, responding to a question from Congressman Brad Sherman.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan to end the 17-year Afghan war, America's longest.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"In spite of our aid to Pakistan, conditions in the Sindh Province of South Pakistan continued to deteriorate in many areas. Schools and hospitals are getting worse in many areas as is water availability," Sherman said.

"We see the Hindu minorities subject to persecution to force conversions and forced marriages. What is USAID doing to ensure that assistance to Pakistan is improving the lives of ordinary people in Sindh?" he asked.

Sherman hoped that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will focus on the women and children and especially the minority religions in Pakistan's Sindh province.

"USAID has played an important role in Pakistan, particularly with its education system. Are there ways that charitable organisations can partner with USAID to support that work?" the Congressman asked.&nbsp;

The US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers.

The US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers. The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived after US President Donald Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists. With Islamabad playing a crucial role in peace talks with the Taliban, which may ultimately result in the withdrawal of the 14,000 US troops from war-torn Afghanistan, the Trump administration seems to be reviewing its aid policy to Pakistan. "We're undergoing a review of our assistance in Pakistan that we hope will be finalised soon. And we'll then report to you in terms of what will be going forward," USAID Administrator Mark Green told members of House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday. In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil. Trump also criticised Pakistan in a Twitter post back in November, saying Islamabad was not doing enough to stop terrorism. "As with all of our programmes, we have the programme metrics that we use. One thing we're trying to do more of is to shift from outputs to outcomes. So, we have our roadmap with 17 objective metrics that help us measure capacity and commitment in each country where we work or want to work, like Pakistan," Green said in response to another question on Pakistan. "So more and more we're trying to make sure that we're able to make a difference on the outcome side, hasting the capacity of our host country partners to take on these challenges themselves, although in Pakistan is daunting," he said, responding to a question from Congressman Brad Sherman. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan to end the 17-year Afghan war, America's longest. "In spite of our aid to Pakistan, conditions in the Sindh Province of South Pakistan continued to deteriorate in many areas. Schools and hospitals are getting worse in many areas as is water availability," Sherman said. "We see the Hindu minorities subject to persecution to force conversions and forced marriages. What is USAID doing to ensure that assistance to Pakistan is improving the lives of ordinary people in Sindh?" he asked. Sherman hoped that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will focus on the women and children and especially the minority religions in Pakistan's Sindh province. "USAID has played an important role in Pakistan, particularly with its education system. Are there ways that charitable organisations can partner with USAID to support that work?" the Congressman asked.

Trump administration reviewing its assistance to Pakistan: USAID

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Mark Green announced the formation of ‘USAID-India End TB Alliance’ at an event in New York in presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Green said the experts in the alliance will offer innovative approaches to combat tuberculosis in India.

Alliance members include industry and civil society leaders, academics, scientists, innovators, investors, and members of the diaspora. Two alliance members – Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Director General of the World Health Organisation, and Blessina Kumar from the Global Coalition of TB Activists – were present during the announcement.

India accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s TB cases, with 421,000 deaths per year, Green said. That’s one person dying every minute, he added. Referring to his visit to India in November, he said he met with a group of TB survivors and their families and learnt about the barriers to testing and treatment they face.

“I was especially moved by those who were initially deterred from seeking treatment because of stigma but persevered, and now those same people, mostly women, are working as patient advocates, supporting others who are also struggling with stigma,” Green said. “A major reason for hope in India is that Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has made an ambitious, but determined commitment to achieve a TB-free India by 2025,” he said. USAID is making an initial USD 30 million commitment, subject to the approval of the US Congress, Green said.

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said.

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said. US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Mark Green announced the formation of ‘USAID-India End TB Alliance’ at an event in New York in presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Green said the experts in the alliance will offer innovative approaches to combat tuberculosis in India. Alliance members include industry and civil society leaders, academics, scientists, innovators, investors, and members of the diaspora. Two alliance members – Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Director General of the World Health Organisation, and Blessina Kumar from the Global Coalition of TB Activists – were present during the announcement. India accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s TB cases, with 421,000 deaths per year, Green said. That’s one person dying every minute, he added. Referring to his visit to India in November, he said he met with a group of TB survivors and their families and learnt about the barriers to testing and treatment they face. “I was especially moved by those who were initially deterred from seeking treatment because of stigma but persevered, and now those same people, mostly women, are working as patient advocates, supporting others who are also struggling with stigma,” Green said. “A major reason for hope in India is that Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has made an ambitious, but determined commitment to achieve a TB-free India by 2025,” he said. USAID is making an initial USD 30 million commitment, subject to the approval of the US Congress, Green said.

USAID-India End TB Alliance to eliminate TB announced

US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/msar.pdf">first budget request for fiscal year 2018</a> includes drastic cuts for diplomacy and overseas aid (-32%), and slashes US$4.6 billion from humanitarian assistance and global health spending. <img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/74975/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />

In the last decade, the United States has been the leading funder for preparing and responding to global infectious disease outbreaks, and the delivery of basic health care to low-income countries.

The cut diminishes the world&rsquo;s capacity to prevent and coordinate interventions to tackle human health security issues.

Reducing funding to national disease surveillance systems, training and infrastructure in the developing world will hamper the ability to deliver rapid, coordinated and consistent responses to borderless infectious disease outbreaks.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>US funding and leadership strengthen disease surveillance systems and global coordination of epidemic outbreaks by funding professional training and research centres, and working closely with developing countries</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=US funding and leadership strengthen disease surveillance systems and global coordination of epidemic outbreaks by funding professional training and research centres, and working closely with developing countries" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

Before the Trump era

In 2015, <a href="https://data.oecd.org/chart/4M7f">OECD statistics</a> showed a US aid contribution of over US$29 billion. This was delivered through bilateral agreements (country to country), multilateral commitments (United Nations, World Bank and others) and international and local non-governmental organisations (NGO).

A third of these financial resources (US$11 billion) was used to fund basic health-care services: diagnostic tests for malaria and HIV/AIDS, drugs, bed nets, infrastructure and biomedical research centres.

US funding and leadership strengthen disease surveillance systems and global coordination of epidemic outbreaks by funding professional training and research centres, and working closely with developing countries. The activity of the slated-to-be-decommissioned <a href="https://www.fic.nih.gov">Fogarty International Centre</a> is a good example.

The country&rsquo;s leading role in pushing the agenda to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis is also noteworthy. The US has done so with the creation of the <a href="https://www.pepfar.gov/">President&rsquo;s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief</a> (PEPFAR) in 2002, and of the <a href="https://www.pmi.gov/">President&rsquo;s Malaria Initiative</a> (PMI) in 2005. It has also made substantial contributions to <a href="https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/">The Global Fund</a> (US$10 billion in 2015), which attracts and disburses funds to prevent and treat malaria, HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis.

The US had also made major financial contributions to the <a href="http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sdgoverview/mdg_goals.html">Millennium Development Goals</a> (MDG) (the precursor of the Sustainable Development Goals), resulting in significant achievements in the last 15 years. AIDS-related deaths have dropped by almost half from the epidemic&rsquo;s peak in 2005; tuberculosis deaths declined by 3.7% between 2000 and 2013; child deaths from malaria in Saharan Africa dropped by 31.5%; and maternal mortality fell by 45% worldwide.

The proposed US aid cuts arguably represent, at the very least, a serious setback to achieving the <a href="http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDG).

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The proposed US aid cuts arguably represent, at the very least, a serious setback to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The proposed US aid cuts arguably represent, at the very least, a serious setback to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&nbsp;

America First and global health security

The budget &ndash; <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/budget.pdf">A New Foundation For American Greatness</a> &ndash; retains funding for important programs such as PEPFAR and PMI. But the resources to be channelled through the UN, development banks and NGOs will be reduced as a whole.

Jeffrey Sachs, in warning that &ldquo;the cuts could lead to millions of deaths&rdquo;, stresses that global epidemics are an unpredictable threat with unforeseen consequences.

Tackling these outbreaks requires continuing funding, coordination and local capacity-building; one-off disbursements are not a sustainable strategy.

The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/">2014-2016 Ebola outbreak</a> highlighted the lack of robust and timely surveillance systems and local preparedness to tackle highly transmissible diseases. The outbreak killed 11,000 people. Around 21,000 additional deaths were due to the reduction in access to health-care services. The international community&rsquo;s response was estimated at US$3.6 billion, which included US$2.3 billion from the US government.

A week ago, the World Health Organisation <a href="http://www.who.int/csr/don/13-may-2017-ebola-drc/en/">confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo</a> with a death toll so far of four, 32 suspected cases and 400 people under monitoring. Only resources to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks will ensure the human and economic impacts of these outbreaks are reduced.

A fair share?

Trump has justified the aid budget cuts by stating that it&rsquo;s time for &ldquo;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/2018_blueprint.pdf">the world to pay their fair share</a>&rdquo; and increase their contributions to overseas aid.In developing countries, community health is provided mainly by international and national, not-for-profit organisations. Ana Rita Sequeira

But looking at the countries&rsquo; spending, as a percentage of the gross national income (GNI), shows a different picture. In 2015, the <a href="https://data.oecd.org/chart/4M7f">top donors</a> promoting the economic development and welfare of developing countries were Sweden (1.4%), United Arabs Emirates (1.1%), Norway (1%), Luxembourg (0.95%) and Denmark (0.8%). The US is 23rd in the list (0.16%).

The interdependency of human health security issues means global health is the concern of the entire international community. A combined effort is also necessary to disentangle historical inequalities and injustices that lead to <a href="http://www.8020.ie/">80% of the world&rsquo;s population living in the Global South, with access to an unequal share (20%)</a> of the world&rsquo;s resources and human welfare.

What next?

When the budget proposal was published in March, there was a strong response from both <a href="http://www.usglc.org/2017/03/15/republicans-and-democrats-agree-foreign-aid-cuts-would-hurt-u-s-national-security/">Democrats and Republicans</a> speaking out about the importance of investing in foreign aid.

Groups of <a href="http://www.usglc.org/downloads/2017/02/FY18_International_Affairs_Budget_House_Senate.pdf">retired military</a> and <a href="http://www.usglc.org/downloads/2017/05/Business-Letter-Tillerson-May-22.pdf">business leaders</a> signed letters to support resource allocation for the International Affairs Budget, as US economic and national security interests are at stake. Advocates from <a href="https://www.savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/articles/presidents-proposed-budget-cuts-will-catastrophic-future-mothers-children-u-s-abroad/">development agencies</a> also warned about the impact of these cuts in low and middle-income countries&rsquo; populations.

Some believe that this budget is &ldquo;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/23/republicans-opposition-trump-budget-medicaid-spending">dead on arrival</a>&rdquo; once it gets to Congress. But if it is approved, the budget will be a game-changer for global health. It will lower financing of basic health care in the developing world, and reduce global disease surveillance systems.

The change will need a new architecture and leadership in international aid. And it will require remedial action from a bloc of countries (leading EU countries and cooperation between middle-income and emerging countries), or from charities and foundations such as Bill and Melinda Gates, or public and private partnerships &ndash; or all of them.

The world needs to take a coordinated action to ensure that global health is not neglected &ndash; we are all responsible for this.

&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-budgets-cuts-to-international-aid-put-global-health-security-at-risk-74975">original article</a>.)

&nbsp;

The cuts proposed by President Trump diminishes the world?s capacity to prevent and coordinate interventions to tackle human health security issues

US President Donald Trump’s first budget request for fiscal year 2018 includes drastic cuts for diplomacy and overseas aid (-32%), and slashes US$4.6 billion from humanitarian assistance and global health spending. In the last decade, the United States has been the leading funder for preparing and responding to global infectious disease outbreaks, and the delivery of basic health care to low-income countries. The cut diminishes the world’s capacity to prevent and coordinate interventions to tackle human health security issues. Reducing funding to national disease surveillance systems, training and infrastructure in the developing world will hamper the ability to deliver rapid, coordinated and consistent responses to borderless infectious disease outbreaks. US funding and leadership strengthen disease surveillance systems and global coordination of epidemic outbreaks by funding professional training and research centres, and working closely with developing countries × Before the Trump era In 2015, OECD statistics showed a US aid contribution of over US$29 billion. This was delivered through bilateral agreements (country to country), multilateral commitments (United Nations, World Bank and others) and international and local non-governmental organisations (NGO). A third of these financial resources (US$11 billion) was used to fund basic health-care services: diagnostic tests for malaria and HIV/AIDS, drugs, bed nets, infrastructure and biomedical research centres. US funding and leadership strengthen disease surveillance systems and global coordination of epidemic outbreaks by funding professional training and research centres, and working closely with developing countries. The activity of the slated-to-be-decommissioned Fogarty International Centre is a good example. The country’s leading role in pushing the agenda to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis is also noteworthy. The US has done so with the creation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2002, and of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) in 2005. It has also made substantial contributions to The Global Fund (US$10 billion in 2015), which attracts and disburses funds to prevent and treat malaria, HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis. The US had also made major financial contributions to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) (the precursor of the Sustainable Development Goals), resulting in significant achievements in the last 15 years. AIDS-related deaths have dropped by almost half from the epidemic’s peak in 2005; tuberculosis deaths declined by 3.7% between 2000 and 2013; child deaths from malaria in Saharan Africa dropped by 31.5%; and maternal mortality fell by 45% worldwide. The proposed US aid cuts arguably represent, at the very least, a serious setback to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The proposed US aid cuts arguably represent, at the very least, a serious setback to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals × America First and global health security The budget – A New Foundation For American Greatness – retains funding for important programs such as PEPFAR and PMI. But the resources to be channelled through the UN, development banks and NGOs will be reduced as a whole. Jeffrey Sachs, in warning that “the cuts could lead to millions of deaths”, stresses that global epidemics are an unpredictable threat with unforeseen consequences. Tackling these outbreaks requires continuing funding, coordination and local capacity-building; one-off disbursements are not a sustainable strategy. The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak highlighted the lack of robust and timely surveillance systems and local preparedness to tackle highly transmissible diseases. The outbreak killed 11,000 people. Around 21,000 additional deaths were due to the reduction in access to health-care services. The international community’s response was estimated at US$3.6 billion, which included US$2.3 billion from the US government. A week ago, the World Health Organisation confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo with a death toll so far of four, 32 suspected cases and 400 people under monitoring. Only resources to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks will ensure the human and economic impacts of these outbreaks are reduced. A fair share? Trump has justified the aid budget cuts by stating that it’s time for “the world to pay their fair share” and increase their contributions to overseas aid.In developing countries, community health is provided mainly by international and national, not-for-profit organisations. Ana Rita Sequeira But looking at the countries’ spending, as a percentage of the gross national income (GNI), shows a different picture. In 2015, the top donors promoting the economic development and welfare of developing countries were Sweden (1.4%), United Arabs Emirates (1.1%), Norway (1%), Luxembourg (0.95%) and Denmark (0.8%). The US is 23rd in the list (0.16%). The interdependency of human health security issues means global health is the concern of the entire international community. A combined effort is also necessary to disentangle historical inequalities and injustices that lead to 80% of the world’s population living in the Global South, with access to an unequal share (20%) of the world’s resources and human welfare. What next? When the budget proposal was published in March, there was a strong response from both Democrats and Republicans speaking out about the importance of investing in foreign aid. Groups of retired military and business leaders signed letters to support resource allocation for the International Affairs Budget, as US economic and national security interests are at stake. Advocates from development agencies also warned about the impact of these cuts in low and middle-income countries’ populations. Some believe that this budget is “dead on arrival” once it gets to Congress. But if it is approved, the budget will be a game-changer for global health. It will lower financing of basic health care in the developing world, and reduce global disease surveillance systems. The change will need a new architecture and leadership in international aid. And it will require remedial action from a bloc of countries (leading EU countries and cooperation between middle-income and emerging countries), or from charities and foundations such as Bill and Melinda Gates, or public and private partnerships – or all of them. The world needs to take a coordinated action to ensure that global health is not neglected – we are all responsible for this. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.)

Trump's cuts to international aid put global health security at risk

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Monday reinstated a global gag rule that bans US-funded groups around the world from discussing abortion, a move that was widely expected, but nonetheless dismayed women&#39;s rights advocates.

The rule, which affects both American and non-American&nbsp;non-governmental organisations working abroad, is one that incoming presidents have used to signal their positions on abortion rights. It was created under US&nbsp;President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The global gag rule has been associated with an increase in unsafe abortions and we expect that Trump&#39;s global gag rule will cost women their lives,&#39; said Serra Sippel, president of the Centre for Health and Gender Equity in Washington</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The global gag rule has been associated with an increase in unsafe abortions and we expect that Trump's global gag rule will cost women their lives,' said Serra Sippel, president of the Centre for Health and Gender Equity in Washington" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Trump, an abortion opponent, signed the reinstatement directive at a ceremony in the White House on his fourth day in office. Former President Barack Obama had lifted the gag rule in 2009 when he took office.

&quot;Women&#39;s health and rights are now one of the first casualties of the Trump administration,&quot; said Serra Sippel, president of the Centre for Health and Gender Equity in Washington. &quot;The global gag rule has been associated with an increase in unsafe abortions and we expect that Trump&#39;s global gag rule will cost women their lives,&quot; she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
If you&#39;re wondering what patriarchy looks like: A group of white men watch as Trump reinstates the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalGagRule?src=hash">#GlobalGagRule</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZV1OX41ziF">pic.twitter.com/ZV1OX41ziF</a>
&mdash; Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaValenti/status/823594304971173888">January 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Reinstatement of the gag rule, formally the Mexico City policy, comes just two days after, according to organisers&#39; unofficial estimations,&nbsp;five<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/women-around-the-world-march-against-trump-11558"> million&nbsp;people</a> marched in cities around the world in a show of unity for women&#39;s rights, among them abortion access.

The far-reaching gag rule affects groups getting funding from the US&nbsp;Agency for International Development (USAID), even if they use separate money for abortion services, counseling or referrals, advocates note.

&quot;It is appalling to dictate to civil society groups and health care providers how they can spend their own money and force them to withhold from women critical information about and access to the full range of reproductive health care,&quot; said Nancy Northup, president of the US-based Center for Reproductive Rights.

The policy puts groups that provide women&#39;s health care in an &quot;untenable position&quot;, said Brian Dixon of Population Connection Action Fund. They can either accept the restriction to keep their funding or they can reject the restriction and lose their funding, Dixon said. &quot;Either choice hurts the women that rely on them.&quot;

Following the rule&#39;s inception in 1984, former President Bill Clinton revoked it when he took office in 1993 and former President George W&nbsp;Bush reinstated it in 2001.

&quot;Life-saving global health funding should not be a political football,&quot; said Ann Starrs, head of the Guttmacher Institute, a leading reproductive rights group.

There is no evidence the rule reduces abortion, she said. &quot;In fact, by targeting funding for overseas family planning programs, it may well have the opposite effect by making it harder for many women to avoid unintended pregnancy, which in turn would increase recourse to unsafe procedures by women who cannot access safe&nbsp;abortioncare,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Even foreign organisations across the world funded by USAID will no longer be able to talk about abortion, let alone provide the service

US President Donald Trump on Monday reinstated a global gag rule that bans US-funded groups around the world from discussing abortion, a move that was widely expected, but nonetheless dismayed women's rights advocates. The rule, which affects both American and non-American non-governmental organisations working abroad, is one that incoming presidents have used to signal their positions on abortion rights. It was created under US President Ronald Reagan in 1984. The global gag rule has been associated with an increase in unsafe abortions and we expect that Trump's global gag rule will cost women their lives,' said Serra Sippel, president of the Centre for Health and Gender Equity in Washington × Trump, an abortion opponent, signed the reinstatement directive at a ceremony in the White House on his fourth day in office. Former President Barack Obama had lifted the gag rule in 2009 when he took office. "Women's health and rights are now one of the first casualties of the Trump administration," said Serra Sippel, president of the Centre for Health and Gender Equity in Washington. "The global gag rule has been associated with an increase in unsafe abortions and we expect that Trump's global gag rule will cost women their lives," she said. If you're wondering what patriarchy looks like: A group of white men watch as Trump reinstates the #GlobalGagRule pic.twitter.com/ZV1OX41ziF — Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) January 23, 2017 × Reinstatement of the gag rule, formally the Mexico City policy, comes just two days after, according to organisers' unofficial estimations, five million people marched in cities around the world in a show of unity for women's rights, among them abortion access. The far-reaching gag rule affects groups getting funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), even if they use separate money for abortion services, counseling or referrals, advocates note. "It is appalling to dictate to civil society groups and health care providers how they can spend their own money and force them to withhold from women critical information about and access to the full range of reproductive health care," said Nancy Northup, president of the US-based Center for Reproductive Rights. The policy puts groups that provide women's health care in an "untenable position", said Brian Dixon of Population Connection Action Fund. They can either accept the restriction to keep their funding or they can reject the restriction and lose their funding, Dixon said. "Either choice hurts the women that rely on them." Following the rule's inception in 1984, former President Bill Clinton revoked it when he took office in 1993 and former President George W Bush reinstated it in 2001. "Life-saving global health funding should not be a political football," said Ann Starrs, head of the Guttmacher Institute, a leading reproductive rights group. There is no evidence the rule reduces abortion, she said. "In fact, by targeting funding for overseas family planning programs, it may well have the opposite effect by making it harder for many women to avoid unintended pregnancy, which in turn would increase recourse to unsafe procedures by women who cannot access safe abortioncare," she said. (Reuters)

Trump reinstates rule restricting abortions around the world

usaid

Usaid, News on Usaid, stories on Usaid, articles on Usaid, Usaid stories at Wion, Usaid news, Usaid latest news