U.S. aid freeze 'decimates' life-saving work globally, survey finds

FILE PHOTO: People hold placards outside the USAID building, after billionaire Elon Musk, who is heading U.S. President Donald Trump's drive to shrink the federal government, said work is underway to shut down the U.S. foreign aid agency USAID, in Washington, U.S., February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo

BANGKOK/NAIROBI (Reuters) - Aid groups across the world have closed operations, laid off staff and halted life-saving work, including with malnourished children, because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign assistance, according to a survey of 246 humanitarian organisations.

The U.S. is by far the biggest contributor to global humanitarian aid, giving about $14 billion last year.