USAID official warned funding cuts could cause deaths

A USAID official was placed on leave after warning that recent funding cuts and layoffs could lead to preventable deaths and threats to U.S. security. Nick Enrich criticized the agency's inability to implement life-saving programs due to political obstacles. Enrich's memo highlighted that 72 humanitarian activities across 31 funding awards have not received approval for payments. He stated that many awards needed for these programs were terminated by February 27. The Trump administration's cuts to USAID, totaling $60 billion, have already impacted global health initiatives, including food supplies and vaccines. The White House recently announced plans to further reduce USAID contracts.