Experts warn of risks as USAID funding halted

International development expert Mai Salameh warned that the suspension of USAID funding poses a serious threat to ongoing projects, particularly in humanitarian aid, food, and medicine.

Speaking on Roya TV’s Nabd Al-Balad, she noted that many long-term development initiatives in the Middle East and other regions could be severely impacted.

She also questioned US priorities, given Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that funding should focus on strengthening and securing the United States.

Ali Fayadh, Executive Director of Partners-Jordan, stated that the funding halt came without warning, leaving many organizations struggling to adapt. He emphasized the need for alternative funding sources and long-term strategies to sustain critical projects.

Asem Rababa’a, head of the Justice Center for Human Rights Studies, highlighted that stopping USAID funding requires US congressional approval and warned that it could affect essential programs related to health, food security, and economic development worldwide.

He also noted that thousands of employees working on USAID-funded projects could face job losses.

The United States allocated approximately $300 million last year to support the Syrian refugee response plan, and experts fear the funding cut could disrupt similar humanitarian efforts in the region.