Trump Administration Redirects $2 Billion from Global Health to USAID Closure Costs

The Trump administration is seeking to redirect $2 billion from global health initiatives to finalize the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to CNN, the funds will cover legal expenses, unpaid invoices, and asset sales tied to the agency’s shutdown last year.

Originally, Congress allocated $1.2 billion of these funds for international development, with the remaining $800 million designated for programs combating malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, nutrition, global health security, HIV/AIDS, and other critical health issues.

Experts warn that diverting these funds could have devastating consequences:

• 121,000 preventable deaths from tuberculosis
• 47,600 preventable deaths from malaria
• 22.9 million children under 5 losing access to critical nutrition programs
• 5.7 million women losing access to safe childbirth facilities

These figures compound the already severe impact of USAID’s closure. As of November, estimates suggest that 762,000 people, including over 500,000 children, have died due to cuts in USAID programs.

The administration has earmarked $19.1 billion from USAID funds to dismantle the agency. In response, 17 Democratic senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought, and acting USAID administrator Eric Ueland, demanding the funds be restored to their intended purpose.

"The Administration should immediately begin using these foreign assistance funds to deliver results for the American people. There is no reason for this FY25 funding to be withheld to cover the wasteful costs this Administration has incurred because it chose to dismantle USAID."