Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has ridiculed nations upset by Donald Trump’s stance on foreign aid, questioning why they expect handouts from the U.S. “Why are you crying? It’s not your government! He has no reason to give you anything. You don’t pay taxes in America,” Kenyatta remarked, responding to Trump’s declaration that he won’t issue “blank checks” to foreign nations.
Trump’s renewed “America First” approach has reignited concerns about aid reductions, particularly in Africa. His administration previously sought to cut funding for programs like the State Department and USAID, often facing pushback from Congress. In his second term, fears have grown over potential cuts to PEPFAR, a major HIV/AIDS initiative that has been vital for health programs across the continent.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump briefly announced the U.S. would withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025, citing its handling of COVID-19 and alleged bias toward China. Days later, he hinted at rejoining if reforms were made, underscoring his administration’s unpredictable foreign policy.
Meanwhile, a 90-day suspension of foreign aid in early 2025 has already left many health programs in limbo, sparking concerns about the future of U.S. assistance to Africa.
