President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign humanitarian aid and shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is having severe consequences around the world, according to several humanitarian organizations.
From the fight against HIV/AIDS to aiding civilians in war-torn regions like Ukraine and eastern Congo, the abrupt halt of funding has thrown critical life-saving programs into disarray, creating what many are calling “total and complete chaos.”
A Devastating Impact on Global HIV/AIDS Programs
One of the most immediate concerns stems from the suspension of funding to global HIV/AIDS programs. The U.S. government provides approximately 70% of global funding for HIV and AIDS programs, according to Christine Stegling, deputy executive director of UNAIDS.
Stegling warned that the freeze could lead to more than 6 million deaths from AIDS-related causes by 2029 if the funding halt continues. Clinics and community health centers have already begun closing, leaving millions of people without access to antiretroviral medication and other essential treatments.
“These are people’s lives that are really at risk here,” Stegling said. “Community clinics are closed because communities are not sure what the guidance is.”
Even though Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that waivers could be issued for critical programs, Stegling explained that the guidelines for implementing these waivers remain unclear, adding to the confusion on the ground.
Ukraine: A Lifeline Cut Amid War
Ukraine, which has been the top recipient of U.S. foreign aid since Russia’s invasion in 2022, is also feeling the devastating effects of the freeze. Yuriy Boyechko, founder of Hope for Ukraine, said U.S.-funded programs that provide firewood to civilians living on the front lines have been suspended.
“Firewood is a lifeline right now for the people in Ukraine,” Boyechko told ABC News. “They don’t have electricity, they don’t have gas. They rely on firewood to keep warm and cook meals.”
Without U.S. support, many Ukrainians could face freezing temperatures with no means to heat their homes or cook food. Boyechko added that the withdrawal of aid has created distrust and hopelessness among the population, who have long relied on the U.S. for support.
“Since USAID is pulling away, a lot of people are losing hope,” he said.
Eastern Congo: Fleeing Toward Violence Without Guidance
The aid freeze is also affecting peace-building efforts in eastern Congo, where a resurgence of violence and rebel activity has forced thousands to flee their homes. Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, said his organization has had to halt key programs aimed at preventing recruitment into armed groups.
“We had to freeze the mobilization in the east of the country that was intended to prevent recruitment into the rebel movement,” Idriss explained. His organization also had to stop broadcasts on local radio stations, which provide vital information to help civilians avoid dangerous conflict zones.
“Literally, today, people are running in the wrong direction. They’re fleeing toward violence, rather than away from it,” Idriss said, describing the situation as chaotic.
Support for Vulnerable Women in Latin America Halted
Organizations supporting vulnerable populations in Latin America have also been affected. HIAS, a Jewish refugee and immigrant aid organization, had to suspend programs for survivors of gender-based violence in Colombia and Ecuador.
Noah Gottschalk, senior director for international advocacy at HIAS, warned that the freeze could force survivors of domestic violence to return to abusive partners or become victims of human trafficking.
“The support that we provide them is often the difference between them being forced to return to those abusive former partners or becoming vulnerable to human trafficking,” Gottschalk said.
Confusion and Disruption Across Multiple Programs
The chaotic rollout of the aid freeze has been compounded by inconsistent and unclear stop-work orders issued by the administration. Idriss noted that his organization received conflicting instructions across more than 30 programs, leading to confusion about which activities should be paused and which could continue.
“Some of the information was inconsistent, ambiguous, or even contradictory,” Idriss said. “Chaos has really ensued. We’re hopeful that cooler heads will prevail within the administration shortly.”
Potential Foreign Policy Implications
Gottschalk warned that the sudden withdrawal of U.S. aid could create a power vacuum in regions where humanitarian assistance is essential to stability. He fears that without U.S. support, armed groups, cartels, and human traffickers could exploit the vulnerable populations left behind.
“The U.S. abandoning some of the most desperate people in the world right now absolutely will create a vacuum,” Gottschalk said. “And I’m deeply concerned about who is going to fill that vacuum.”
The freezing of U.S. foreign humanitarian aid is already creating ripple effects across the globe, threatening millions of lives and destabilizing regions that rely heavily on U.S. support. Humanitarian organizations are urging the Trump administration to reconsider the freeze or at least provide clearer guidance on implementing waivers for critical programs.
If the freeze continues, the world may face long-term consequences, from a worsening HIV/AIDS crisis to growing instability in war-torn regions. For now, however, chaos reigns as organizations scramble to adapt to the sudden halt in funding.
