The Trump administration is diverting billions in health funding away from low-income countries, defying Congress’ plans
The Trump administration plans to redirect or withhold nearly all funding that Congress had slated for international family planning aid this year – about $605 million – according to an internal US State Department budget report and a memo to lawmakers that were obtained by CNN. The budget plans also involve an effort to move … The post The Trump administration is diverting billions in health…
The Trump administration intends to redirect or withhold nearly all of the $605 million in funding Congress allocated for international family planning aid this year, according to a leaked State Department budget report and a memo to lawmakers. The budget plans also involve shifting nearly $1 billion into a global health innovation fund that benefits US corporations, while significantly reducing global health funding for low- and middle-income countries.
Critics argue that these actions constitute an overreach by the administration, despite Congress's authority to decide how funds are spent. The budget report, titled the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 allocation, indicates that most of the $607.5 million in funding for contraception and other reproductive health services for women overseas will be diverted to support US energy security needs in countries facing market disruptions due to the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in September, provides limited details on how the diverted funds would be spent. Nonprofit organizations, such as Public Citizen, Partners In Health, and PAI, have criticized the administration's decision, stating that it sets a dangerous precedent of ignoring Congressional intent.
Written by urgent.news from Egypt Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
