Archive · 3 Jan 2026
US Cuts Humanitarian Funding to Lowest Level in 26 Years
The United States has decided to give less money to help people around the world who are in need.
They gave $2 billion, which is the smallest amount in 26 years.
Before, the US used to give a lot more, about 38% of all the help money.
Now, it's only 14.5%.
The US says other rich countries should help more, and the UN should use the money better.
The US president, Donald Trump, and the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, have been talking about this change.
The US pledged $2 billion for UN humanitarian funding, the lowest in 26 years.
In 2025, the US accounted for 14.5% of global humanitarian funding, down from about 38% in earlier years.
US President Donald Trump has criticized the country’s foreign funding programs since returning to power.
The US defends the cuts as part of a shift toward burden-sharing.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the new model would encourage other developed countries to contribute more and force UN agencies to eliminate duplication and reduce inefficiency.
- Who
- US government
- What
- pledged $2 billion for UN humanitarian funding, the lowest in 26 years
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Global
- Why
- Shift toward burden-sharing and encouraging other developed countries to contribute more
- Funding Pledged
- $2 billion
- Percentage of Global Funding
- 14.5%
- Previous High Percentage
- 38%
- Time Frame for Lowest Levels
- 26 years
- US Secretary of State
- Marco Rubio
- US President
- Donald Trump