Background on US Humanitarian Aid and its Impact
In 2025, the United States remained the leading donor to global humanitarian programs, contributing $2.7 billion, a significant decrease from the $11 billion pledged in 2024. This reduction is part of a broader trend initiated by President Donald Trump’s decision to drastically cut foreign aid.
Contextualizing the Current Situation
In 2025, the UN’s humanitarian appeal of over $45 billion was only partially funded, with a mere $12 billion received. This is the lowest level in a decade, according to the UN, and it allowed assistance for only 98 million people – a decrease of 25 million from the previous year.
UN’s Call for 2026 Humanitarian Assistance
In early December, the UN criticized global indifference to the suffering of millions worldwide by launching a 2026 humanitarian appeal. Amidst ongoing crises caused by war, epidemics, natural disasters, and climate change impacts, the UN requires $33 million to support 135 million people in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine.
US Pledge and its Implications
On Monday, the US pledged $2 billion for UN humanitarian aid in 2026, a figure far below recent years’ contributions. This pledge comes amidst drastic cuts to foreign aid decided by President Trump.
A State Department official confirmed this information, which is expected to be officially announced during a press conference in the US representation in Genebra, with UN Humanitarian Operations Chief Tom Fletcher present.
Prioritized Regions and Funding
The UN aims to prioritize Gaza and the West Bank, seeking $4.1 billion for 3 million people, as well as Sudan, requiring $2.9 billion to assist 20 million people.
Fletcher presented a streamlined plan requesting $23 billion to aid at least 87 million people in the most vulnerable situations. This “hyperprioritized” plan includes reforms to enhance humanitarian system efficiency, based on “life or death” decisions, Fletcher noted.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the US pledging for UN humanitarian aid in 2026? The United States has pledged $2 billion, a significant reduction from previous years.
- How does this pledge compare to recent contributions? The US contribution has dropped from $11 billion in 2024 to $2.7 billion in 2025, and now further reduced to $2 billion for 2026.
- What are the prioritized regions for 2026 humanitarian assistance? Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Sudan, are among the top priorities.
- What is the total amount requested for these regions? The UN seeks $4.1 billion for Gaza and the West Bank to assist 3 million people, and $2.9 billion for Sudan to support 20 million people.
