Trump Administration Blocks Foreign Aid Over Gender Rules, Impacting Billions

The Trump administration has announced a plan to block billions of dollars in foreign aid linked to gender ideology and diversity policies. This decision, made public on January 22, 2026, aims to halt funding for programs promoting such ideas outside the country.

The new rule is an expansion of a long-standing policy introduced during former President Ronald Reagan's time to prevent the US from funding foreign groups supporting abortion services. The move is part of Trump's efforts to protect US funds from supporting gender programs seen as unfair.

The decision could affect over $30 billion in foreign aid, significantly higher than the previous $8 billion coverage. Trump has been vocal against transgender rights and aims to stop transgender girls from participating in female sports and remove the option of a non-binary gender marker on US passports.