Analyst says while USAid supports hundreds of jobs, the most significant damage from Donald Trump’s cuts will be to US relations with the PacificThe dismantling of USAid by president Donald Trump is having a ripple effect across the Pacific as people working on more than 100 projects and activities in the region grapple with an uncertain future.While Pacific analysts say overall the region is resilient and will not be heavily affected by the withdrawal, hundreds of people working on USAid projects across the region say their lives and communities have already been upended. Continue reading...
The withdrawal of USAid from the Pacific is expected to have significant effects on the region, particularly in areas such as health, climate change, and economic development, where USAid has funded numerous projects. The decision by President Donald Trump to cut USAid funding has disrupted over 100 projects, affecting hundreds of jobs and destabilizing communities. While the Pacific region is considered resilient, the loss of well-paying USAid-funded positions, particularly in countries like Papua New Guinea, has already caused disruptions. The US is the fifth-largest funder of the Pacific, behind Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand, with 80% of its aid directed toward Compact of Free Association (Cofa) nations. Despite the US pledge of $600 million in 2022 to strengthen engagement, the funds have yet to reach the region fully. The withdrawal has been viewed as disrespectful in the Pacific, damaging US relations with the region. Analysts note that while the region may not suffer severe long-term effects, the move has strained ties and highlighted the importance of consultative approaches in future aid decisions.
