CNN One Thing
The Real-Life Impact of DOGE’s Cuts
Feb 9, 2025
Teddy Ruge, a sustainable farming advocate from Uganda, and Brian Aliganyira, director of a health clinic for the LGBTQ community, share their insights on the consequences of foreign aid cuts. Ruge discusses how funding pauses affect local farmers, employment, and environmental practices. Aliganyira highlights the challenges of providing health services under oppressive laws, particularly the impact on HIV treatment and mental health. Their conversation reveals the urgent need for international support to assist vulnerable communities in navigating these crises.
26:56
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Quick takeaways
- The suspension of U.S. foreign aid by the Trump administration severely jeopardizes international sustainability projects and local economies reliant on assistance.
- The halt in funding for healthcare initiatives, especially for HIV/AIDS treatment in Uganda, risks significant backsliding in public health advancements and human rights achievements.
Deep dives
Impact of U.S. Foreign Aid Freeze on USAID Programs
The sudden decision to freeze nearly all U.S. foreign aid, including critical funding from USAID, has grave implications for international efforts targeting issues like climate change and public health. For instance, a project in Uganda designed to replace deforestation practices with sustainable farming threatened the livelihoods of 250 farmers when funding was put on hold. As fishermen with families and a community's economic stability hang in the balance, the abrupt nature of this retreat from aid has left many in despair. Such drastic cuts reflect a lack of accountability and consideration for the lives affected both domestically and abroad.
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