Trump Administration’s USAID Shutdown Sparks Global and Domestic Crises

The abrupt halt to USAID operations has disrupted aid worldwide, endangered lives, and caused widespread job losses in the U.S. and abroad.

A January 20 executive order by President Trump froze USAID funding, halting operations in 141 countries and firing the majority of its 10,000 employees.
The freeze has denied nearly one million women per week access to contraception, with cascading effects on maternal health, infant mortality, and HIV prevention in low-income countries.
Domestically, the shutdown has led to the termination of thousands of American jobs at USAID contractors, with small businesses and nonprofits facing financial ruin.
Farmers and universities reliant on USAID partnerships are losing vital markets and funding, jeopardizing agricultural innovation and global food security efforts.
A federal judge temporarily lifted the aid freeze on February 14, but confusion and staffing disruptions have delayed the resumption of critical programs.