Trump halts essential cleanup funding in Vietnam, risking public health

Vietnam is facing significant public health risks due to the halted cleanup of dioxin-contaminated soil at the Bien Hoa Air Base, a legacy from the Vietnam War. The cleanup efforts, which began in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense and were backed by more than $430 million in funding, were interrupted following cuts to USAID introduced by the Trump administration. Health officials and diplomats warned that was potentially catastrophic for public health and could damage U.S.-Vietnam relations, particularly as Vietnam becomes increasingly vital for U.S. interests in counteracting aggressive behavior from China. The cleanup was crucial not only for addressing contamination but also for diplomatic relations, emphasizing that halting it would signal to Vietnam that the U.S. could not be trusted to fulfill its commitments. The abrupt freeze of funding occurred shortly after an executive order by President Trump that ordered a review of U.S. foreign aid, often labeling it as wasteful. This order led to a drastic reduction in USAID staffing and the termination of over 83% of its contracts globally, including vital projects in Vietnam. Workers at Bien Hoa, the site of the largest remaining deposit of postwar pesticides, were left with exposed contaminated soil and concerns about completing the work before seasonal rains could exacerbate health risks. Following initial cessation, funding was unfrozen a week later, but the future of the project remained uncertain, as disbursement of funds and project management faced ongoing challenges with a limited USAID workforce. Other vital programs related to wartime legacies, such as clearing unexploded munitions and landmines and rehabilitation for war victims, also faced interruptions due to cuts in funding. These efforts have been essential in rebuilding trust and cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam, especially as both nations prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Experts asserted that the timing of these cuts undermined decades of diplomacy aimed at mitigating the impact of the Vietnam War's aftermath. The situation at Bien Hoa reflects broader tensions surrounding U.S.-Vietnam relations, which have been characterized by significant strides in defense cooperation. In 2023, Vietnam's elevation of relations with the U.S. to a comprehensive strategic partnership signified a growing alignment against shared regional challenges. Observers worry that such funding interruptions could lead to skepticism in Vietnam about the reliability of American commitments, potentially resulting in a long-term impact on diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries. Experts are urging for a restoration of funding and a continuation of cooperative efforts to address the legacy of war, warning that a failure to act could indicate a retreat from responsible engagement in foreign relations.