The US foreign aid freeze, announced by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, has sparked widespread concern among democracy activists and experts. While the administration claims the move is aimed at eliminating waste and “woke” spending, critics argue it has a more sinister consequence: emboldening authoritarian strongmen.
Hundreds of grants funded through US foreign aid are focused on promoting democracy in countries with repressive regimes. These grants support grassroots groups in Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, among other nations. The freeze will cut off critical funding to these groups, which include organizations that trained poll workers to detect fraud in Venezuelan elections, pro-democracy activists in Cuba, and a group of exiles in Belarus working to block the country’s strongman from winning an election.
“This cuts to the heart of what we’re trying to do,” said Thor Halvorssen, founder of the Human Rights Foundation. “It sends the wrong signal to dictatorships and undermines brave individuals fighting for freedom.”
Experts warn that the funding freeze will have severe consequences for democracy activists worldwide. In Venezuela, journalists who exposed corruption by top officials are among those affected, as well as an organization providing legal services to political prisoners.
The move has also sparked concerns about US strategic and national security interests. Some Republicans worry that Trump’s review of foreign aid could damage the country’s reputation as a champion of democracy.
“We’re glad President Trump is taking a hard look at how money is spent,” said Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute. “We just hope it’s an expeditious review.”
The freeze has already sparked celebrations among authoritarian leaders, who are doubling down on attacks against opponents. In Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko crowed that Trump’s decision to cut funding for opposition groups was a response to his government’s calls for improved relations.
As the administration reviews its foreign aid programs, experts urge caution and advocate for restored funding to critical democracy initiatives.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/usaid-foreign-aid-trump-dictators-freeze-de4b211931515315ef699c8fc7d37239