In early 2017, shortly after President Donald Trump took office, his administration initiated drastic cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), impacting numerous humanitarian programs globally. This included the suspension of critical aid to South Sudan, a country already grappling with a severe cholera outbreak. Despite warnings from diplomats and experts that these cuts would lead to increased mortality, the administration proceeded with its plans, significantly reducing USAID's operational capacity.

USAID, established in 1961 to promote global stability and support American interests, was the largest humanitarian donor worldwide. However, within a month of Trump's inauguration, his appointed officials had moved to eliminate up to 90% of the agency's programs. This included essential services such as food, water, and medical care, which were vital for communities facing health crises.

In South Sudan, the cholera epidemic worsened dramatically after the funding cuts. Reports indicated that the country experienced its worst cholera outbreak in history, with thousands infected and hundreds of deaths, many of which were preventable with adequate medical support. Local health clinics, previously funded by USAID, were forced to close, leaving communities without access to lifesaving treatments.

Despite claims from officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio that no one died due to the aid cuts, investigations revealed that many programs remained on paper but were inactive due to lack of funding. The abrupt cessation of aid left health workers and communities unprepared to manage the cholera crisis, leading to a resurgence of the disease.

The situation in South Sudan was compounded by existing political instability and corruption, which had already hindered effective governance and resource allocation. The U.S. had previously invested nearly $10 billion in aid to South Sudan since its independence, yet the country remained one of the most underdeveloped and aid-dependent nations.

As the cholera outbreak escalated, humanitarian organizations struggled to respond effectively due to the funding freeze. The U.S. government's decision to prioritize budget cuts over humanitarian assistance raised questions about the ethical implications of such policies, particularly in regions where lives depend on foreign aid.

The consequences of these cuts were stark, with many families losing loved ones to cholera as clinics closed and essential services were withdrawn. The U.S. administration's approach to foreign aid, framed as a necessary reform, ultimately resulted in increased suffering for vulnerable populations in South Sudan, highlighting the critical role of sustained humanitarian support in crisis situations.