Today in Focus What Trump’s assault on USAid means for the world
Feb 13, 2025
Nesrine Malik, a Guardian columnist focusing on global affairs, sheds light on the ramifications of Trump's suspension of USAID. She discusses the humanitarian crisis in regions like Sudan and the dire conditions in Rohingya refugee camps due to lost funding. Malik highlights the critical role of USAID in healthcare and education, emphasizing how a proposed 40% aid cut could jeopardize lives. Additionally, she explores the agency's strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy and the potential power vacuum that could allow adversaries to expand their influence.
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Tragic Consequence of USAID Freeze
- In a Bangladeshi refugee camp, a pregnant woman needed urgent medical care after USAID's shutdown.
- Tragically, due to the lack of available medical services, she lost her life.
USAID's Significance
- USAID is the world's largest single aid provider, distributing about $45 billion annually.
- This represents approximately 40% of global aid, which was abruptly halted.
USAID's Diverse Activities
- USAID, established in the 1960s, coordinates American foreign aid.
- Its activities range from crisis management and disease prevention to promoting democracy and environmental conservation.