Since President Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, 2025, his administration has implemented several policies that have significantly impacted social aid programs and human rights protections.
Suspension of Foreign Aid
One of the administration’s early actions was the issuance of Executive Order 14169, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” which mandated a 90-day suspension of all U.S. foreign development assistance programs to conduct a comprehensive review. This suspension led to the shutdown of numerous programs worldwide, affecting grassroots organizations that provide essential services such as mental health support and basic necessities to vulnerable populations. The freeze has also resulted in furloughs and layoffs for many workers involved in these initiatives.
Restructuring of USAID
The administration announced plans to integrate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department, aiming to reduce USAID’s size and autonomy. This move would grant the State Department greater control over foreign aid distribution, potentially diverting funds from programs focused on economic development, the rule of law, climate change, and gender equality. Critics argue that this restructuring could undermine the effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid and diminish support for human rights initiatives globally.
Rollbacks on LGBTQ+ Protections
The administration has taken steps to curtail protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Executive Order 14168 led to the removal of LGBTQ+ resources from federal government websites, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ HIV Language Guide. References to transgender people and gender identity were eliminated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, and federal agencies directed employees to remove pronouns from their email signatures. Additionally, the State Department suspended passport applications seeking sex-marker changes, and the Social Security Administration removed guidance on changing sex identification. These actions have raised concerns about the erosion of rights and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Impact on Transgender Inmates
Reports have emerged that transgender women in federal custody are being transferred to men’s prisons or placed in solitary confinement. Advocates argue that these actions violate the Prison Rape Elimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Legal challenges have been initiated to contest these policies, highlighting the administration’s broader rollback of protections for transgender individuals.
Executive Orders Affecting Human Rights
On his first day in office, President Trump issued numerous executive orders that threaten to undermine respect for international human rights both in the U.S. and abroad. These orders have raised concerns among human rights organizations about the potential erosion of civil liberties and the weakening of protections for marginalized communities. These actions reflect a significant shift in U.S. policy, with potential long-term implications for social aid programs and human rights protections both domestically and internationally.
We will continue to keep you informed of changes, so stay tuned for updates.
