The United States announced a $2 billion pledge for United Nations humanitarian aid programs on Monday, marking a sharp reduction from previous years as the Trump administration pushes for major reforms in global aid spending.

This pledge represents a fraction of historical U.S. contributions, which have reached up to $17 billion in recent years, with voluntary funding often in the $8-10 billion range. Administration officials describe the amount as sufficient to keep America as the world’s top humanitarian donor while demanding greater efficiency from UN agencies.

The funding will flow through an umbrella mechanism controlled by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), allowing targeted distribution to specific crises and countries. Initial priorities include 17 nations such as Bangladesh, Congo, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine. Notably absent from the list are Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories, with officials stating Gaza aid will tie into ongoing peace efforts.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher welcomed the commitment, calling the U.S. a “humanitarian superpower” that provides hope amid global crises. However, the announcement comes after a year of severe cuts that have already forced UN affiliates like the World Food Program, International Organization for Migration, and UNHCR to reduce staff, projects, and services.

These agencies received billions less in 2025 compared to Biden-era levels and even Trump’s first term. Other Western donors have also trimmed contributions, compounding the strain on the UN system, the largest provider of global humanitarian assistance.

Administration sources emphasize the need for UN bodies to consolidate leadership, improve accountability, and eliminate waste. Warnings to agencies to “adapt, shrink or die” reflect a broader push to align foreign aid strictly with U.S. interests and reduce support for programs seen as inefficient or misaligned.

Critics argue the reductions risk lives in vulnerable regions, exacerbating hunger, displacement, and health crises. Supporters counter that streamlined funding will deliver better results for taxpayers and recipients alike.

The move aligns with Trump’s long-standing skepticism of multilateral institutions, prioritizing bilateral approaches and private sector involvement where possible. It caps a transformative year for U.S. foreign aid policy, including the effective dismantling of USAID and termination of thousands of programs.

As global needs remain high, the scaled-back pledge signals a new era of restrained American engagement in UN-led humanitarian efforts, forcing the organization to seek alternative donors and internal efficiencies.

This development underscores the administration’s America First approach, balancing limited generosity with demands for fundamental change in how international aid operates.