New Delhi, March 3 : Protests and demonstrations have erupted in response to the U.S. government’s drastic cuts to foreign aid, with activists and former USAID employees staging a “die-in” inside a federal building to highlight the life-threatening consequences of these funding reductions.
The demonstration, led by HIV activists and dismissed USAID workers, took place in Washington, D.C., where participants lay on the ground in symbolic protest against the 92% reduction in USAID grants and the 30% cut in State Department aid programs. The activists argue that these cuts will disrupt global health initiatives, including HIV treatment, maternal healthcare, and crisis response efforts.
NGO Appeals for Donations Amid Aid Crisis
As the protests unfolded, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) published a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, urging Americans to donate and support those affected by the foreign aid reductions. The advertisement, funded by a private donor, calls on the public to “meet the moment” and help mitigate the devastating impact of the aid cuts.
According to the IRC, 46 government grants supporting humanitarian work in countries like Sudan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan were terminated last week, leaving at least 2 million people without essential services. The organization is seeking support through donor-advised funds, stock accounts, foundations, and direct donations to sustain relief efforts.
Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration
The foreign aid cuts come as part of President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, which prioritizes domestic spending over international assistance. The U.S. State Department confirmed that USAID had reviewed 6,200 multi-year grants and eliminated nearly 5,800 of them, amounting to a $54 billion loss in funding.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, medical professionals, and international aid organizations, who argue that it will worsen global health crises, increase malnutrition, and reverse progress made in eradicating diseases like HIV and malaria.
“This is a humanitarian catastrophe,” the IRC advertisement warned. “Food from American farmers will go unused while children suffer. Preventable deaths from treatable diseases will rise.”
Despite the backlash, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s stance, stating that waivers have been granted for life-saving aid programs. However, activists argue that the exceptions are insufficient to address the broader crisis caused by the funding cuts.
Ongoing Protests and Advocacy Efforts
Protests against the aid cuts are gaining momentum, with activists planning nationwide demonstrations and urging Congress to intervene and restore funding. Meanwhile, nonprofits and aid agencies continue to adapt to the funding crisis, relying on private donations and alternative funding sources to sustain their operations.
As tensions escalate, the debate over America’s role in global humanitarian efforts remains a contentious issue, with critics warning that the policy shift could have far-reaching consequences for millions worldwide.
