The UN’s ability to respond to global crises is under threat after President Trump slashed funding to key UN agencies. Internal memos confirmed that several prominent organizations, including the WFP, UNICEF, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), are facing deep budget cuts. These reductions have forced agencies to announce layoffs and program closures, jeopardizing vital services to millions of vulnerable people.
The World Food Programme, which relies heavily on US funding, is especially affected by the cuts. In 2024, the US contributed 46% of WFP’s budget, but now the organization faces a 30% reduction in its workforce. This marks the largest downsizing in the agency’s 25-year history. The cuts will impact food aid to millions, including operations in war-torn countries and regions facing famine.
WFP Faces Global Consequences of Funding Shortfall
The WFP, which provides emergency food assistance to 343 million people facing hunger and starvation, is scaling back its operations. According to an internal memo, the organization will focus on the most critical regions but expects to reduce staffing across all levels. “This is the most massive downsizing in 25 years,” one WFP official noted, warning that operations in some regions may halt altogether.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply troubled” by the cuts and their potential to disrupt humanitarian efforts globally. The WFP has already begun reassessing its program portfolio to fit the new budget, which could leave many vulnerable populations without essential support.
UNHCR and UNICEF See Sharp Funding Cuts
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which supports over 43 million displaced people worldwide, is also facing severe reductions. With half of its senior staff positions being eliminated and several offices closing, the agency warned that key programs providing food, water, medicine, and shelter would shrink or cease entirely. In Sudan, for example, up to 500,000 displaced individuals risk losing access to clean water, heightening the danger of disease outbreaks.
UNICEF, the global agency responsible for children’s welfare, is also suffering from funding shortfalls. Projections indicate a 20% decrease in UNICEF’s 2025 budget compared to 2024, threatening years of progress in child health and education. The agency has already implemented cost-saving measures, but further cuts are now unavoidable, which could affect operations in over 190 countries.
Wider Impact: The International Organization for Migration and Other Agencies
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also been hit hard by US funding cuts. It announced a 30% reduction in its budget, which has forced the agency to lay off 6,000 staff members and cut 20% of personnel at its headquarters. The IOM provides essential services to migrants and displaced populations worldwide, and these cuts threaten its ability to provide support to the millions who rely on its programs.
In Lebanon, where over one million Syrian refugees live, the UNHCR office has only received 15% of its required funding, forcing the suspension of critical health services. These cuts are particularly devastating in countries facing high levels of displacement, such as Lebanon, where the UNHCR provides health care, food assistance, and shelter to vulnerable refugee populations.
Trump’s DOGE Initiative and Its Impact on Global Aid
Trump’s initiative to reduce foreign aid is being led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk. The plan aims to cut US spending across several sectors, including humanitarian aid, which has already led to funding reductions for the WFP and UNHCR. The US, historically the largest donor to UN agencies, has dramatically reduced its contributions, leaving the UN and other global organizations scrambling for funds.
The Trump administration’s emphasis on reducing foreign aid has raised concerns among international experts. Critics argue that these cuts will not only worsen humanitarian conditions but could also undermine global stability. While the US government has defended these cuts as part of its broader strategy to boost domestic production and reduce international spending, experts warn that the global repercussions could be severe.
Calls for International Cooperation and Advocacy
Global leaders and humanitarian advocates have called for increased cooperation and solidarity to address the growing funding gap. Several nations, including European countries, have already pledged to increase their contributions to the UN, but the challenge remains daunting. With the US stepping back from its historical role as the largest donor, the international community must find new ways to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
The situation is particularly urgent as the world faces unprecedented levels of displacement, hunger, and poverty. The UN’s ability to respond effectively to crises like the Syrian civil war, the famine in Yemen, and the ongoing refugee crises is under threat. As funding from major donors continues to dwindle, the UN and its partners are struggling to meet the needs of millions of people relying on humanitarian aid.
President Trump’s funding cuts to the UN have sent shockwaves through the international community. With agencies like the WFP, UNHCR, and UNICEF facing severe budget reductions, the risk of increased suffering for vulnerable populations is high. As the world grapples with multiple crises, the reduction of global aid could have long-lasting consequences, making it imperative for countries and organizations to step up their support.
