Archive · 30 Jan 2026
US Expands Aid Restrictions to Include Diversity and Gender Issues
The U.S. government has expanded a policy called the Mexico City Policy, which now restricts funding for groups that work on abortion, diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity issues.
This policy affects about $30 billion in foreign aid and targets both U.S.-based and foreign organizations.
The State Department has ordered a review of all aid programs to ensure they comply with the new rules.
Some groups may choose not to comply and lose U.S. funding.
The policy has been criticized by aid groups as damaging to civil society and efforts to promote gender equality and women's rights.
The Trump administration says the move is part of an overhaul to focus aid on more effective and efficient programs.
The U.S. State Department has ordered a review of all aid programs to comply with expanded restrictions under the Mexico City Policy.
The policy now prohibits funding for groups working on abortion, diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity issues.
About $30 billion in foreign aid is affected, targeting both U.S.-based and foreign NGOs.
The new rules will be included in new grants and existing projects when new funding is awarded.
Critics argue the policy damages civil society and efforts to promote gender equality and women's rights.
- Who
- U.S. State Department and global aid groups
- What
- Expansion of the Mexico City Policy to include restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and gender identity initiatives
- When
- Effective February 26, with immediate review of aid programs
- Where
- Globally, affecting U.S. missions and foreign NGOs
- Why
- To focus foreign aid on programs that save lives, support allies, and create commercial opportunities for the American economy, according to the Trump administration
- Policy Name
- Mexico City Policy
- Effective Date
- February 26
- Affected Aid Amount
- $30 billion
- Targeted Groups
- U.S.-based and foreign NGOs
- Prohibited Activities
- Abortion promotion, gender ideology, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Waivers
- Limited waivers by Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Policy Origin
- Established by Ronald Reagan in 1984
- Current Administration
- Trump administration