Trump's Aid Cuts Could Lead to 14 Million More Deaths, Report Warns

The study highlights the severe ramifications of slashing humanitarian aid and underscores the urgent need for continued support for low and middle-income countries.

A critical report from The Lancet warns that recent cuts to U.S. foreign humanitarian aid could lead to more than 14 million preventable deaths by the year 2030. Researchers estimate that one-third of those affected will be children, intensifying concerns expressed by public health advocates. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in March that President Trump’s administration has discontinued over 80% of the programs under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Davide Rasella, a co-author of the report and researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, described the anticipated impact of these funding cuts, equating it to the scale of a global pandemic or significant military conflict for many low- and middle-income countries. He explained that the cuts threaten to reverse the progress made in global health over the past two decades.

The timing of the report coincides with a United Nations-led aid conference in Seville, where global leaders have gathered to address humanitarian challenges. The research, analyzing data from 133 countries, revealed that USAID funding had previously saved approximately 91 million lives in developing nations from 2001 to 2021. Projections indicate that the current plan to slash funding by 83% could increase mortality rates significantly, including an alarming estimate of over 4.5 million deaths among children under five—equating to about 700,000 child fatalities each year.

The Trump administration's financial cuts appear to stem from a broader initiative pushed by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at reducing federal employment and spending. Critics accuse USAID of backing projects deemed "liberal," leading to further scrutiny of the agency.

Despite the U.S. being the largest provider of humanitarian aid globally, operating in over 60 countries, many on-the-ground observers report that conditions have worsened. Recent comments from a UN representative revealed dire circumstances in Kenya, where reduced funding has left many refugees facing starvation and the lowest food rations recorded to date.

In response to the crisis, Rubio maintained that around 1,000 programs would still be operated more efficiently under the State Department with congressional oversight, though the overall situation remains alarming and indicates growing humanitarian needs worldwide.