The Guardian · US news · Original story
Trump officials threaten UN budget cuts as US pushes ‘trade over aid’ agenda
US seeks free-market private investment deals over development assistance as experts warn of ripple effects
The Trump administration is continuing to pressure the United Nations and the international aid sector more broadly to adopt trade-focused policies to benefit US firms – or face the threat of further budget cuts.
Donald Trump’s second term has already seen USAID suffer mass layoffs and have its remaining operations folded into the state department, with a ripple effect across the globe that has many experts warning will cost thousands of lives as vital programs are cut.
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Edward Helmore in New York · Mon, May 4, 2026, 3:00 AM
US news | The Guardian
US seeks free-market private investment deals over development assistance as experts warn of ripple effects
The Trump administration is continuing to pressure the United Nations and the international aid sector more broadly to adopt trade-focused policies to benefit US firms – or face the threat of further budget cuts.
Donald Trump’s second term has already seen USAID suffer mass layoffs and have its remaining operations folded into the state department, with a ripple effect across the globe that has many experts warning will cost thousands of lives as vital programs are cut.
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