Date: April 2, 2025

SCHUMER DETAILS TRUMP ADMIN’S CUTS TO US FOREIGN AID FOR NEPAL & TIBETAN COMMUNITY; NEARLY ALL AID FOR MATERNAL/CHILD HEALTH, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MORE HAS BEEN CUT AFTER TRUMP ADMIN ABRUPTLY TERMINATED NEARLY ALL FOREIGN ASSISTANCE & USAID-FUNDED PROGRAMS

Terminated Funds Jeopardize Health & Safety Of Nepalese And Tibetan People; $123 Million In USAID Funding Was Disbursed To Nepal Just Last Year, Now Nearly All Foreign Aid For Health Initiatives, Education, Agriculture & Environmental Protection Has Been Terminated

Just last year, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance, disbursed $123.8 million in aid to Nepal for health services—including maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment—agriculture, environmental protection, education and water supply/sanitation. Now, nearly all foreign aid for Nepal has been terminated by the Trump administration.

Prior to the Trump administration dismantling the agency, USAID programs in Nepal focused on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, economic growth, and humanitarian aid. USAID has partnered with Nepal to bolster the country’s economic growth, strengthen its health and education systems, improve natural resources and mitigate disaster risk.

USAID disbursed more than $123 million in aid to Nepal in 2024, including:

$24.58 million for Maternal and Child Health/Family Planning
$17.98 million for Agriculture
$11.66 million for Environmental Protection
$8.06 million for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment
$5.28 million for Education
$4.19 million for Water Supply and Sanitation

USAID-funded programs like Nepal Biodiversity Activity received over $5 million to improve biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of Nepal’s natural resources by reducing exploitation and poorly-planned development. Another program focused on epidemic control received more than $7 million to help bolster Nepal’s health systems to prevent and prepare for health crises like COVID-19. Another program, URJA Nepal, received over $4 million to create a financially viable electricity sector that provides affordable, reliable and secure power in Nepal.

Examples of USAID programs in Nepal that have been terminated by the Trump administration:

An accelerated education program for girls that never attended school or dropped out early. Since July 2024, 13 centers participating in this program have provided accelerated education to 306 girls from vulnerable backgrounds. These girls, just months away from graduating and beginning to study at formal schools, now face an uncertain future due to the abrupt halt of US foreign assistance funding.
Another terminated program provided reproductive health services for more than 65,000 young people in Nepal through a combination of training healthcare providers, digital tools, and strengthening public health services.

At-risk foreign assistance and terminated programs for Tibetan communities include:

Program to Strengthen Self Reliance and Resilience of Tibetan Communities in South Asia: Nearly $7 million to help communities thrive economically, become effective leaders, and maintain the vitality of Tibetan communities and institutions.

Central Tibetan Administration Capacity Building & Sustainability Initiative: $2.89 million to strengthen the Central Tibetan Administration to be more effective and sustainable in delivering services to Tibetans and achieving community self-reliance.

·Preservation of Tibetan Culture: $732,000 to strengthen the preservation of Tibetan culture in the form of manuscripts and other artifacts.

In addition to $9+ million in USAID cuts for the Tibetan community, the Trump administration has also cut several million in funding for Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, impacting Tibetan language services and uncensored programs for the Tibetan people.

“The US-Nepal relationship is critically important, and the Nepalese and Tibetan communities in the US—and especially in New York—are valued and vibrant communities. For over seven decades, the United States has maintained a strong partnership with Nepal, providing vital assistance that has strengthened the country’s health programs, agricultural systems, and educational opportunities for its people. It also makes no sense to cut off aid and support to the beleaguered Tibetan community diaspora, which has endured decades of systematic oppression, cultural erasure, and human rights abuses at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party regime,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “Despite the lifesaving work of USAID, and other critical US foreign aid, the Trump administration has taken drastic and damaging steps to shutter the agency and terminate funding for health, agriculture and education services. This is a mistake. I urge the administration to reverse course immediately and release foreign aid for Nepal and the Tibetan community ASAP. The bottom line is that the aid we provide to Nepal and Tibetans is a win-win that helps both the people and America’s best interests.”

“For decades, USAID funding has been a lifeline, providing critical healthcare, disaster relief, and economic support to countless Nepali families. At a time when Nepal continues to recover from devastating earthquakes, public health crises, and economic hardships, withdrawing aid is not just irresponsible but it is a direct attack on vulnerable communities. In the New York State Assembly District 30 that I proudly represent, we have a vibrant and growing Nepali community that has enriched our neighborhoods with its culture, resilience, and countless contributions. Slashing this support will not only cause immense suffering but also weaken our global humanitarian commitments and undermine the longstanding partnership between Nepal and the United States. I strongly condemn the cuts in aid to Nepal, and I urge the administration to maintain USAID funding so we do not hurt our Nepali American families and our Nepal-based allies,” Assembly Member Steven Raga.

“We must put common sense over ideology and reinstate vital USAID funding for Nepal and Tibet. These investments provide vital services to tens of thousands of people, including many whose family members reside here in Queens. This funding delivers healthcare, education, economic empowerment, potable water, HIV/AIDS prevention, and a host of other services. By reinforcing our commitment to this important region, we demonstrate our dedication to uplift our international family, forging strong international alliances that resonate across the globe,” Assembly Member Rajkumar.

“The lives of millions of Nepali and Tibetan people are at risk as the Trump administration cuts hundreds of millions in USAID funding for maternal and child health, education, water supply and sanitation, and other programs. The President and his fraudulent Department of Efficiency is unilaterally devastating the Himalayan communities who rely on these lifesaving programs. I will continue to join my colleagues on the federal level to advocate against these harmful cuts that will impact our constituents and their families back in Nepal, Tibet, and beyond,”said Council Member Julie Won.

“My district is home to so many Nepalese and Tibetan refugees, having had to flee their homes for fear of persecution at the hands of their government. They share with me how they worry about their families who remain. Aid rendered by USAID is critical to them. We urge the Trump Administration to reverse these cuts and provide aid to Nepalese and Tibetan families,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.

“The main four projects of USAID in Nepal: USAID Health Direct Financing Project, USAID Agricultural Direct Financing Project, USAID Education Direct Financing Project, and USAID Inclusive Policy Direct Financing Project are stalled and affected seriously because of the executive order of US President Donald Trump to pause for review all American assistance funded by USAID. This will severely impact on Nepal’s development aid and also will be affecting livelihoods in incomes especially in remote & rural areas generated by USAID supported project. I condemn the act of our President Trump in freezing the USAID in Nepal,” said Somnath Ghimire, President of GPK Foundation America.

“USAID has been a vital lifeline for Nepal and Tibet, supporting development, healthcare, and education in regions that face significant challenges. The freeze on aid under the Trump administration threatens decades of progress, undermining crucial efforts to improve living standards and empower communities. By halting this support, we risk not only destabilizing local economies but also weakening the longstanding bond of cooperation between the U.S. and these regions. It is essential to recognize the profound, positive impact of USAID and condemn actions that hinder the growth and prosperity of vulnerable populations,” said Nabaraj KC, President of Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation.

“Since 2022 USAID has signed an agreement for five-year Development Objective Agreement worth $659 million to support Nepal in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure; economic growth, humanitarian aid and women and children empowerment. These project cuts are causing devastating effects and create a volatile geo-political situation for Nepal with competing interests of countries like China. As a result, the USA will lose Nepal’s support forcing Nepal to tilt towards China for support. It will also cause significant harm to the Tibetan communities,” said Khagendra GC., Superlawyer, Chhetry & Law Associates.

“The recent freeze on USAID funding to Nepal presents challenges for essential programs that many communities rely on. These funding cuts go beyond financial adjustments; they have the potential to disrupt years of hard-won progress in key areas such as maternal and child health, food security, and disaster recovery — affecting the most vulnerable populations. There is concern that these reductions may hinder some of the positive outcomes achieved through U.S. foreign assistance in promoting sustainable development. The community remains hopeful that decision-makers will thoughtfully consider the broader implications and find solutions to ensure these programs continue making a meaningful, lasting impact,” said Shreeya Tuladhar, ED Minority Empowerment Network.

“For many decades, USAID has played a vital role in sustaining Tibetan identity within the growing Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. The dismantling of USAID support for Tibetans poses a serious threat to the survival of Tibetan culture in the diaspora outside of Tibet,” said Tsering Diki, NY Tibet Service Center.

“I am a Tibetan refugee raised in India and Nepal, and I deeply value the vital support USAID provides to our Central Tibetan Administration. U.S. aid has been instrumental in improving education and healthcare for Tibetan refugees, significantly enhancing countless lives. This support has served as a lifeline for our people, ensuring access to essential services and uplifting our community in exile. We respectfully urge President Trump to reconsider the decision to cut aid to the Tibetan community. This assistance stands as a testament to America’s enduring commitment to democracy, human rights, and humanitarian efforts. By continuing this aid, the United States reaffirms its leadership in promoting freedom and democracy worldwide,” said Tenzin Dakten, General Secretary, Tibetan Center of NY/NJ.

“As a Tibetan refugee, it is heartbreaking to learn USAID funding cuts to Tibetans. This decision will severely impact the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, disabled individuals, and former political prisoners who are seeking care after enduring severe physical and mental torture under the Chinese Communist Government. It will also hinder the overall advancement of Tibetans in the diaspora. It saddens me to see my fellow Tibetans in healthcare, humanitarian efforts, and media in India and the United States losing their jobs. This change will disempower our community and inadvertently strengthen authoritarian governments like China. I strongly urge our federal representatives to reassess this decision and restore USAID funding for Tibetans,” said Tenzin Tseyang, Tibetan Community Leader and Advocate.

“The abrupt USAID funding freeze has been devastating for Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal. For more than two decades, USAID has played a vital role in advancing education, healthcare, and economic development through programs that serve the most vulnerable Tibetans in exile. The sudden halt threatens to disrupt essential services and jeopardize the well-being of countless individuals. We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and reaffirm its commitment to supporting the resilience and stability of Tibetan communities,“said Bob Ankerson, President of the Tibet Fund.