Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has called on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to cancel the majority of USAID’s humanitarian aid programs. The appeal follows the official announcement that 83% of these programs have been cut, a move that CRS warns will have devastating consequences for millions of vulnerable people worldwide.
On March 10, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the administration had completed its six-week evaluation of International Humanitarian Assistance programs.
“After a six-week review, we are officially canceling 83% of the programs at USAID,” Rubio stated. “The 5,200 contracts that are now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve (and in some cases even harmed) the core national interests of the United States.” He added that the remaining 18% of programs would be administered more effectively under the State Department.
In response, CRS issued a press release on March 17, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the U.S. government to provide global aid.
“As part of the Catholic Church, Catholic Relief Services believes that human life is a precious gift from God that must be protected and nurtured,” the statement said.
CRS, the humanitarian arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, explained that during the six-week review period, it had to suspend its U.S. government-supported operations due to a halt in funding. This disruption prevented the distribution of food stored in warehouses and cut off essential health and nutrition services for women and children.
The organization further warned that the sudden termination of dozens of its projects would permanently sever critical aid to over 20 million people worldwide. CRS noted that eleven of these terminated projects had received humanitarian waivers, underscoring the urgency of their continuation.
“These programs do more than save lives. They help lift communities and countries out of poverty. They support local faith-based and church partners that provide services and stability to their communities and to their countries,” CRS stated.
The agency also highlighted Pope Francis' call during the Jubilee Year for Catholics and all people of goodwill to act as “artisans of hope” by building communities rooted in solidarity.
CRS reminded the administration of the United States’ longstanding role in global humanitarian efforts, referencing Pope Paul VI’s encyclical *Populorum Progressio*, which underscores the duty of developed nations to assist developing ones.
“By ending these lifesaving programs, our government is not only neglecting our nation’s responsibility but also weakening the very foundations of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement added.
CRS concluded its appeal by urging the administration to reconsider its decision and promptly restore funding to continue these vital humanitarian programs.