Trump administration reverses food aid cuts to some countries

In early April 2025, the Trump administration announced a reversal of some previously implemented funding cuts to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) emergency projects in 14 impoverished countries. This decision came after it was discovered that contracts for critical life-saving aid had been terminated mistakenly. The announcement was made by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, who noted that specific countries benefiting from the restored funding had not been disclosed. The cuts had previously affected humanitarian assistance crucial for millions of individuals struggling with hunger and food insecurity across various regions. The funding cuts were part of a broader reduction of foreign aid led by the Trump administration and having strong ties to the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk. The cuts were initially planned to impact projects in countries facing extreme poverty and conflict, affecting programs that support emergency food aid for populations in dire need. Previously, the WFP had stated that significant reductions in funding could lead to a humanitarian crisis, manifesting as a death sentence for millions facing starvation. While funding restorations were confirmed for several nations including Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Ecuador, alarms remain regarding the ongoing aid cuts in Afghanistan and Yemen. According to United Nations officials, these two countries are among the poorest globally and are grappling with extensive conflict and humanitarian issues. Afghanistan, in particular, has over 23 million people requiring humanitarian assistance, with the war and associated poverty exacerbating food scarcity and other urgent needs. The administration had previously informed the WFP about the planned cuts, claiming they were necessary for government convenience. This decision sparked significant concern within the humanitarian community, as it jeopardized essential health programs, food assistance, and other forms of critical aid. With more than half of Afghanistan’s population and millions in Yemen at risk of starvation and further turmoil, it remains vital for global leaders to reassess their commitments to these urgent humanitarian efforts.