Because of Trump, Ukraine, Sudan, and millions of people living with HIV have been left without support

On the day of his inauguration, Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing international humanitarian aid from the United States for 90 days. The decision affected millions of people—from Ukrainians rebuilding their country after bombings to residents of Sudan, Afghanistan, and other regions where access to food, medicine, and water is vital.

The White House assures that the measures are temporary, but Trump has already made it clear that assistance will resume only for those programs that, in his opinion, correspond to "American values." While Washington is auditing funding, international organizations are warning of a possible humanitarian catastrophe.

Ukraine: A Setback for Reconstruction

Since Russia's invasion, USAID has sent nearly $40 billion to Ukraine to rebuild infrastructure, demine, and help civilians. Now this flow has dried up. Explosions at energy facilities leave cities without electricity, children's hospitals without equipment, and aid to farmers frozen. "Without this support, many enterprises will have to close," Ukrainian economists say.

HIV Programs: A Deadly Hiatus

The suspension of USAID programs has put the lives of millions of people living with HIV at risk. More than 21 million patients in 50 countries are receiving antiretroviral therapy through these initiatives. Interruptions in the supply of medicines mean the development of virus resistance and an increase in mortality. Doctors talk about the threat of a "new wave" of the epidemic.

Afghanistan: A Country on the Brink of Famine

After the Americans left, millions of Afghans found themselves dependent on food aid. Now that aid has been cut in half. Humanitarian missions will be able to feed only half of the 15 million people on the brink of starvation.

Sudan: Famine, Disease, and Devastation

In Sudan, the war has made 25 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance. The U.S. funded nearly half of all humanitarian programs. Without support, CARE warns: "People will become more vulnerable to infections, and disease and malnutrition will become a deadly combination."

Washington: Closed Doors and Mass Layoffs

There is chaos in USAID itself. On Trump's orders, the department stopped communicating with foreign partners. More than 60 employees have already been sent on administrative leave for "resisting" the decree. Former heads of the agency warn: "Reform of international aid is necessary, but it will do more harm than good in such ways."

What can we expect next?

Trump's decision has already been condemned in the UN and international organizations. The White House, however, makes it clear that exceptions are possible. To do so, humanitarian initiatives will have to convince the Trump administration that their work makes the U.S. "safer, stronger, and more prosperous." Until then, millions of people are left without the help on which their lives depend.