A wave of deep budget cuts ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump is shaking the core of global humanitarian efforts. Multiple United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), are slashing staff, halting programmes, and warning of widespread service disruptions. The cuts come after Trump’s decision to severely reduce U.S. foreign aid and place Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in charge of cost-saving across foreign spending.
According to internal memos reviewed by the Associated Press and confirmed by UN officials, these funding cuts have already triggered layoffs, with many more expected in the coming months.
Key UN Agencies Under Severe Strain
The World Food Programme, which provides food aid to millions in need, is facing some of the worst impacts. The U.S. provided nearly 46% of WFP’s funding in 2024, making it the agency’s single largest donor. Officials now say WFP may have to cut up to 30% of its global staff and suspend food delivery operations in several crisis zones.
An internal WFP memo stated that the cuts will affect all departments and regions, leaving no part of the organization untouched. Programmes that reach 343 million people across the world are now at risk.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply troubled by the severe funding cuts and their impact on vulnerable populations.”
Humanitarian Programmes Near Collapse
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) also announced drastic changes. The agency will reduce headquarters costs by 30% and eliminate half of its senior positions. UNHCR has warned that the downsizing will force office closures in multiple countries and significantly reduce their ability to help displaced families.
“This is not just a funding issue,” a UNHCR official said. “It’s a survival issue. We’re talking about cutting water, food, and healthcare for people who have nothing else.”
In Sudan, the impact is already visible. Reduced funds have cut clean water access for 500,000 people, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, which hosts around one million Syrian refugees, UNHCR’s funding stands at just 15% of what is needed. Earlier this month, the agency stopped cash assistance to 347,000 refugees and warned that more cuts will follow in June.
Primary healthcare support for 40,000 people in Lebanon has also ended.
UNICEF and IOM Also Forced to Cut Back
UNICEF, the UN’s agency focused on children’s welfare, is also facing a 20% drop in funding for 2025. Officials fear that the loss will reverse years of progress in child education, nutrition, and protection.
UNICEF has already begun cutting costs in its 190-country operations, with more reductions on the way. “We have made gains for children in the last decade, but without funding, many of those gains could disappear,” a UNICEF spokesperson warned.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a 30% funding loss, with the bulk of that shortfall due to U.S. cuts. The agency announced it will lay off 6,000 personnel worldwide and eliminate 20% of its headquarters staff. These cuts will end several programmes that help people move safely, avoid trafficking, and rebuild lives after disasters.
Why the Cuts Happened
The funding freeze stems from a broad cost-cutting directive by President Trump. He tasked the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, to review and slash overseas spending.
DOGE aims to eliminate what it considers “wasteful foreign aid,” focusing instead on “America First” priorities. Even before these new cuts, global humanitarian budgets had been shrinking. Many donor countries have been scaling back support in recent years, citing inflation and domestic political pressure.
The Global Impact
Experts say the timing of these cuts could not be worse. Ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen have already strained humanitarian systems. Climate-related disasters are also increasing in frequency, leaving millions in urgent need of help.
“If the world’s largest donor steps back, the whole system shakes,” said Rachel Carter, a global aid policy expert. “These cuts will be felt everywhere—from refugee camps to schools to hospitals.”
A report from the Norwegian Refugee Council estimates that the current funding gap across all UN humanitarian agencies may exceed $25 billion by the end of 2025 if no emergency pledges are made.
What Happens Next?
UN leaders are now urging other countries and private donors to step up and fill the gap left by the U.S. Several emergency meetings are planned at the upcoming Geneva Humanitarian Forum this summer.
The WFP, UNICEF, and UNHCR say they will continue to make appeals for funding and adjust operations to stretch every dollar. But they warn that without immediate help, the world could see a major backslide in global health, food security, and refugee protection.