A group of Democratic senators from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has issued a statement criticizing the Trump Administration's recent expansion of the Global Gag Rule. The new policy extends a ban on U.S. foreign assistance to both American and foreign non-governmental organizations, other countries, and multilateral organizations that do not comply with the administration’s restrictions on reproductive care, "gender ideology," and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles—even when these groups use their own funds.
The senators said: “President Trump’s decision to radically expand the Global Gag Rule is a direct assault on all forms of foreign assistance and U.S. global leadership. By blocking U.S. funding to any entity that does not conform to his extreme ideological agenda, the Administration is exporting MAGA culture wars overseas and turning lifesaving aid into a political tool. This order goes far beyond anything we’ve seen before. It will shrink global resources to fight disease, respond to humanitarian crises and protect women and girls from violence, while forcing many of our trusted partners to shut their doors or betray their missions. In doing so, it also leaves Americans more vulnerable to infectious diseases and health threats that do not respect borders. Let us be clear: this rule tells the world to toe their line or lose aid.”
The statement continued: "Already, the Trump Administration’s decimation of USAID, including development, humanitarian and global health programs has led to 600,000 deaths and is expected to lead to the deaths of 14 million people over the next five years. Even more troubling, the Trump Administration is attempting to rush these changes through without the public notice-and-comment process laid out by Congress. U.S. foreign assistance should be guided by evidence, informed through consultation with our partners and aligned with our values and national security interests—not dictated by partisan ideology.”
The signatories include Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
