Trump's Crucial Aid Cuts Could Lead to 14 Million Avoidable Deaths by 2030

Research highlights the potential impact of drastic foreign aid reductions, suggesting dire consequences for public health worldwide.

Donald Trump's decision to drastically reduce US foreign humanitarian aid risks precipitating over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, as detailed in a new report published in The Lancet medical journal. The analysis indicates that approximately one-third of those at risk are children, exacerbating concerns over public health in low- and middle-income countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration has dismantled more than 80% of the operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to co-author of the Lancet report, Davide Rasella, the effects of these funding cuts could mirror the devastation caused by a global pandemic or significant armed conflict. Rasella, affiliated with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, emphasized that these cuts could undo two decades of health advancements for vulnerable populations.

The publication of this report coincides with a major United Nations-led aid conference currently unfolding in Seville, Spain, gathering numerous world leaders. The researchers assessed data from 133 nations and estimated that USAID initiatives had averted 91 million deaths in developing countries from 2001 to 2021. Using predictive modeling, they found that the proposed 83% reduction in funding, which has been echoed by Trump's administration, could lead to over 14 million preventable deaths by the decade's end—including more than 4.5 million children under the age of five, equating to around 700,000 child deaths annually.

Under Musk's administration, which promotes significant federal budget cuts, accusations have emerged against USAID for allegedly financing liberal agendas. Despite the drastic measures, Rubio mentioned that nearly 1,000 programs would still operate "more effectively" under the State Department with Congress's involvement.

However, on-the-ground conditions remain bleak. Reports from UN officials indicate escalating humanitarian crises, with hundreds of thousands facing severe food shortages in Kenyan refugee camps following US funding cuts. BBC reporters documented the tragic consequences of these reductions, highlighting cases of malnourished children in desperate need of aid.