Elton John has shared concerns that Donald Trump’s cuts to the USAID budget will have “devastating effects” on the global fight against HIV.
Trump announced on Thursday (Feb 27) that his administration intends to cut over 90% of the USAID (US Agency for International Development) foreign aid contracts – Associated Press have estimated that $60billion (£48billion) of US international aid spending will be axed.
On Instagram, the pop legend said the “abrupt action” could have devastating effects on the response to HIV and set back years of hard work.
A statement from The Elton John Aids Foundation, one of the world’s leading independent AIDS/HIV charities, said: “We are gravely concerned about the decision by the U.S. Administration to cut more than 90% of contracts held by USAID, many of which they had already deemed “lifesaving”. This abrupt action could have devastating effects on the HIV response and put years of progress in jeopardy.”
“Millions of people are alive today thanks to the generosity of the American people and because of effective programs like PEPFAR. Today they are unsure of when, or even if they will get the medicine they need to stay alive.”
PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, established by George W. Bush in 2003. It provides access to antiretroviral treatment, helping those living with HIV to manage the virus and stay alive.
The statement continued: “The Elton John AIDS Foundation is working with our 90+ partners to ensure they can continue to provide lifesaving HIV services, and we are launching an urgent appeal, The Rocket Response Fund, to help cover immediate gaps in essential care.”
It then mentioned hosting its 33rd Academy Award Viewing Party, and gave a plea for the US government to reconsider the effect of their cuts: “With much uncertainty surrounding the aid cuts at home and abroad, we urge the U.S government to continue the lifesaving work of bipartisan programs like PEPFAR.”
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was first established in the 1960’s to organize humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the US government. It takes on a variety of tasks, providing humanitarian assistance and relief during global conflicts and emergencies such as famines.
It has bases in over 60 countries, employing around 10,000 people, mainly overseas. Most of its work on the ground is carried out by other organizations that are contracted and funded by the USAID.
According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, the country that received the most USAID funding during the 2023 fiscal year was Ukraine during its ongoing war with Russia. Other aid has been sent to Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Ethiopia, Jordan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Yemen.
Trump has always been a vocal critic of overseas spending, claiming that it’s not a valuable use of taxpayer money, particularly the USAID.
Sir Elton has never given outright condemnation or support to Trump politically. He did find humour in his referring to Kim Jong Un as “little rocket man”, referencing one of the popstars signature hits.
In an interview with Variety, he said: “I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.’ … Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. I’ve always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support. When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh,”
But John may have alluded to being at odds with Trump’s divisive politics in the same interview, speaking just before the 2024 election: “I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people: the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be. And that goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.”
“I just hope that people make the right decision to see what the future is going to be,” he added. “Is it going to be fire and brimstone … or are we going to have a much calmer, a much safer place? People can vote for who they like, but as far as I’m concerned, I love love. And I’m a loving person, and I want that to come back to America. I feel it’s been lost in the last 12 years.”
Elton recently joined with other artists campaigning against proposed changes in UK copyright law that would allow AI developers to use their work without permission. You can read our coverage on that here.
