The USAID, responsible for allocating billions in humanitarian aid globally, plays a crucial role in supporting over 100 countries with vital assistance, all while utilizing just a small portion of the federal budget. The exact extent of disrupted aid funds and the duration of the halt remain unclear. The future of the agency is now uncertain, as President Trump aims to overhaul the government, criticizing USAID as being managed by extremists and calling for a thorough review of its spending and personnel. The State Department has assumed control of USAID amidst these developments.
Numerous challenges have emerged, including confusion and delays in the new humanitarian waiver application process. Nonprofit organizations are uncertain about the criteria for “lifesaving” aid that can proceed during the suspension, raising questions about deliberate funding delays. Tom Hart, from InterAction, expressed concerns over the stoppage of essential programs and supplies like food and medications, branding it as a waste of resources and causing severe humanitarian repercussions.
The distribution of crucial aid, including lifesaving HIV medication, has been affected, hindering aid groups’ ability to access federal funds and carry out their work efficiently. The situation has drawn bipartisan criticism, with both Republicans and Democrats voicing their discontent.
Moreover, shipments of aid materials, such as soy products for malnutrition treatment in East Africa, are being held up at ports due to the uncertainty. Industry representatives, like Gena Perry from the American Soybean Association, highlight the impact on emergency feeding programs. Despite exemptions for emergency aid, logistical challenges persist, impeding the flow of essential supplies.
Lawmakers are calling for swift action to address the crisis, urging the administration to release stalled aid and resume crucial initiatives, such as the distribution of HIV drugs. However, the State Department has not provided a response to inquiries on the matter.
Representatives for Moran and Cassidy indicated that there were no new updates available. The rapid and concerted effort to obstruct USAID has led numerous humanitarian organizations to cease their operations entirely. Some have reduced their services while grappling to remain financially stable due to USAID’s cessation of payments, even for services already provided. A high-ranking official of a humanitarian organization disclosed that their group was owed close to $50 million by USAID for work completed in December and January.
“We have vital medications sitting in warehouses in the DRC because we are unable to power the air conditioning,” expressed the staff member, who requested anonymity out of concern for potential repercussions. “We cannot continue to front the costs.” Additionally, the organization revealed that approximately $500,000 worth of antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, and other crucial medications are currently stranded at the Port of Sudan as a result of the Trump administration’s work stoppage order.
Hart, the CEO of InterAction, supported the organization’s statement. Kaleb Brownlow, a former senior adviser at USAID, highlighted the serious health consequences that could arise from the abrupt discontinuation of medications such as HIV antiretrovirals, including increased viral loads and the development of drug resistance.
“When there are more viral particles circulating in your body, it not only affects you but also heightens the risk of disease transmission,” explained Brownlow, who was among the numerous USAID employees laid off recently. Describing his last days at work as chaotic, Brownlow recounted how colleagues scrambled to divert HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis medications to various warehouses worldwide.
“There was no effort made to phase out operations – it was a complete abandonment,” Brownlow emphasized.
CORRECTION (Feb. 4, 2025, 7:14 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the first name of a former senior USAID adviser. He is Kaleb Brownlow, not Karl Brownlow.
