Inside the Trump Administration's Man-Made Hunger Crisis
2 days ago
- #humanitarian-crisis
- #US-foreign-aid
- #refugees
- Trump administration officials were warned that cutting off food aid to refugees in Kenya would lead to violence and death, but proceeded with the cuts, resulting in thousands starving.
- Aid workers reduced rations drastically, with half the camp receiving no food at all, forcing impossible choices and leading to severe malnutrition and deaths, especially among children.
- The U.S. later released some funds to allow food distribution through March, but rations remain drastically reduced, failing to meet the minimum daily calorie requirements.
- A private dinner in Nairobi highlighted the dire situation, with WFP veteran Dragica Pajevic demonstrating the severe ration cuts, but Trump officials showed little concern or responsibility.
- Refugees in Kakuma faced extreme suffering, with reports of children dying, mothers choosing which kids to feed, and desperate measures like eating mud or fleeing the camp.
- The funding cuts destabilized the region, leading to violent protests, increased crime, and a potential migration crisis, with refugees risking dangerous journeys to escape starvation.
- Despite warnings and appeals from embassy officials and humanitarian workers, political appointees like Marcus Thornton delayed or blocked funding, exacerbating the crisis.
- The State Department eventually extended WFP's Kenya operation with reduced funds, but the delayed and insufficient aid continues to leave refugees in dire conditions.