US, UK Announce Significant Cuts to Foreign Aid Programs

The Trump administration has implemented sweeping cuts to U.S. foreign aid and climate research programs, including terminating contracts for the National Climate Assessment and drastically reducing USAID activities. Proposed budget reductions target the State Department and foreign aid by up to 75%, with the closure of numerous diplomatic missions, particularly in Africa and Europe. Analyses show that 80% of global health awards, totaling $12.7 billion, have been terminated, severely impacting programs for polio, maternal and child health, infectious disease, HIV, and family planning. The administration also imposed a 90-day freeze on all development assistance, which led to the shutdown of USAID’s website and further strained international partnerships. Experts warn that these cuts undermine U.S. soft power and global leadership, with USAID's support for development, peace, and health programs—long considered vital tools of American influence—being sharply curtailed. The U.S., historically the world's largest donor, now faces a major reduction in its international development footprint, with the majority of USAID’s 6,200 programs slated for elimination.