The US State Department has drastically cut foreign aid, amounting to over $1.3 billion, which may be a “death sentence for millions” of people facing extreme hunger and starvation, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The cuts include terminating contracts supporting food and medicine delivery in Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Haiti, Gaza, Niger, Palau, and Papua New Guinea.
The decision comes despite previous exemptions granted by the Trump administration, which had previously ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed the cuts, stating that 85% of USAID programs with the WFP remain active, but some have been terminated due to concerns about funding misuse and lack of accountability.
The WFP warned that the cuts could lead to catastrophic consequences for millions of people relying on life-saving aid. The organization is in contact with the US administration to seek clarification and urge continued support for these programmes.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/state-department-makes-broad-cuts-foreign-aid-previously/story?id=120602351