The True Cost of America’s Retreat: How USAID Cuts Threaten Millions of Lives

Vulnerable populations in Morolaba, Burkina Faso, receive emergency airlifted food assistance. Credit: WFP/Desire Joseph Ouedraogo

By Eric Bebernitz
NEW YORK, May 22 2025 (IPS)

In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that upended humanitarian efforts globally, leaving millions of vulnerable people without lifesaving services. The administration’s decision to slash American international aid by 83% is creating daily tragedies in the world’s most fragile regions.