GOP Cuts $137M in UNICEF Funding, Sparking Outrage and Humanitarian Alarm

In a party-line vote on Thursday, Senate Republicans approved a rescission package slashing $137 million in U.S. funding for UNICEF, a United Nations agency critical to the survival of millions of vulnerable children worldwide. The decision comes amid a wider rollback of foreign aid programs under the Trump administration.

UNICEF, founded after World War II, is the world’s largest vaccine provider and a vital source of food, water, and medical aid in global crisis zones. Now, it faces a severe funding shortfall.

“Simply put, we will not be able to provide needed services next year… too many children will suffer or die as a result,” warned UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a letter to Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.).

White House Push for “Efficiency” Sparks Cuts

The Office of Management and Budget, in a May request, labeled foreign humanitarian aid as “wasteful” and “antithetical to American interests.” The rescission includes a total $9 billion in cuts across foreign aid and public broadcasting, part of a “government efficiency” push originally supported by billionaire Elon Musk.

Senate Republicans cited vague or sensational allegations of misuse, including discredited claims about aid funding sex workers in Haiti and transgender operas in Nepal, to justify the cuts.

Confusion and Lack of Transparency

Even Republican lawmakers expressed concern about the process. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the White House “never provided the details that would normally be a part of this process,” referring to the lack of transparency in the rescission package.

Others, like Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), claimed that essential services would remain unaffected—despite eliminating UNICEF’s entire U.S. allocation for fiscal year 2025.

Democrats Condemn the Move

Democrats were outraged. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) condemned the vote in an impassioned speech:

“We used to be the indispensable nation… But not anymore. We are causing death now. We are spreading disease now. We are deepening starvation now.”

The decision could prevent UNICEF from delivering aid in conflict zones, refugee camps, and post-disaster regions where children rely on life-saving services.

UNICEF’s Impact in Jeopardy

With the loss of U.S. funds, UNICEF’s global operations are at risk, from vaccine distribution to emergency nutrition programs and sanitation efforts.

The organization had previously received bipartisan support, and this marks one of the most severe blows to American foreign aid in modern history.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote in alignment with the Senate, formalizing the cuts this week.