US funded 47% of humanitarian aid in 2024 — pullout could have catastrophic impact, UN warns

United Nations (UN) agencies have raised concerns over the global consequences of deep cuts to humanitarian funding following major policy shifts by United States President Donald Trump.

Trump has frozen nearly all foreign aid programmes, withdrawn the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and dismantled the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a key player in global humanitarian funding.

Describing USAID as a “drainpipe” of taxpayer funds, Trump accused the agency of corruption and defended the decision as necessary for fiscal reform.

The move has been met with widespread criticism from humanitarian organisations and workers.

In a letter to all UN personnel released Tuesday, António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said the organisation will remain actively engaged in assessing and mitigating the impact of the order.

“Now, more than ever, the work of the United Nations is crucial…Together, we will ensure that our organization continues to serve people in need around the world with unwavering commitment,” Guterres said.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), clarified that there have been no “layoffs or closing down access” within the agency in response to the executive orders.

Laerke said the US government funded around 47 percent of the global humanitarian appeal across the world last year.

“That gives you an indication of how much it matters when we are in the situation we are in right now, with the messaging we’re getting from the government,” he added.

In a separate statement, Alessandra Vellucci, head of the UN information service, appealed for a relationship of trust with the Trump administration.

“We are looking at continuing this work together [and listening]…if there are criticisms, constructive criticism and points that we need to review,” she said.

Pio Smith, regional director for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Asia and the Pacific, expressed hope that the US would maintain its leadership in global development.

“We hope that the US Government will retain its position as a global leader in development and continue to work with @UNFPA to alleviate the suffering of #women and their families as a result of catastrophes they didn’t cause,” Smith wrote on X.

In addition to the cuts, Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He also instructed a review of US involvement in UNESCO.

UN agencies have said they will remain actively engaged in responding to the funding challenges while seeking continued international cooperation.