Trump administration's aid suspension devastates Syria's humanitarian efforts

In January 2025, the newly inaugurated American president Donald Trump announced the 90-day suspension of foreign development aid programs, impacting Syria. This decision came just weeks after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, heightening expectations for increased international support for the war-torn nation. Approximately 16.5 million individuals in Syria now rely on humanitarian assistance, of which a significant portion, roughly 25%, has traditionally come from the United States. The suspension has led to a halt in crucial programs surrounding health, food security, and other critical areas that aid vulnerable populations in the region. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local leaders express that this development has severely undermined the already fragile economic conditions in Syria. The withdrawal of American aid is perceived as catastrophic, with experts noting a domino effect on the economy and humanitarian response efforts. Many American companies, nonprofits, and farmers that depended on contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are experiencing severe repercussions. Reports indicate that nearly 13,000 American workers have been laid off due to the funding freeze, although estimates suggest that the actual number impacted could be four times higher. The halt in funding also disrupts initiatives essential for agricultural markets and international trade that U.S. farmers have worked hard to develop. As a consequence, the U.S. non-profit sector faces a crisis as funding for numerous organizations shrinks dramatically, with some claiming their financial support has been cut by as much as 60%. Advocates caution that this suspension represents more than just a temporary setback, highlighting a larger issue regarding the U.S.'s commitment to international humanitarian assistance and its potential long-lasting effects on countries reliant on aid. The ongoing struggle for resources in Syria and the knock-on effects on American businesses further indicate a complex and troubling scenario straining both international relations and local economies.