US Boosts Aid for Rohingya Amidst Foreign Assistance Cuts

The Trump administration has announced $73 million in aid for Rohingya refugees via the U.N. World Food Programme. This decision temporarily alleviates fears that aid cuts could exacerbate conditions for the world's largest stateless population. Previously, U.S. funding cuts threatened essential services for these displaced communities.

The Trump administration announced Thursday an allocation of $73 million in new financial assistance for Rohingya refugees, delivered through the U.N. World Food Programme. This move aims to address concerns about potential aid cuts worsening the plight of the world's largest stateless population, currently based in Bangladesh.

While adhering to his 'America First' policy, President Trump has significantly slashed foreign assistance. This comes amidst warnings from United Nations agencies about serious funding deficits that could lead to reduced rations and degrade essential healthcare for Rohingya communities fleeing conflict in Myanmar.

The United States had been the major benefactor for the Rohingya, contributing $2.4 billion since 2017. However, recent budget freezes under Trump, coupled with a proposed dismantling of USAID, threaten to reduce overseas aid vastly. Nonetheless, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has allowed waivers for essential life-saving aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)