The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to reject billions of dollars in potential foreign assistance, citing concerns that the funds could promote what it describes as “gender ideology” and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
A U.S. official disclosed on Thursday that the move is being presented as an expansion of the State Department’s long-standing Mexico City policy. The policy, first introduced under President Ronald Reagan and reinstated by subsequent Republican administrations, bars U.S. funding for non-governmental organizations that perform or are perceived to support abortion.
Under the expanded policy, foreign assistance will be restricted not only from supporting abortion-related activities but also from backing gender ideology and DEI programmes. According to the official, who spoke anonymously, the new framework could affect more than $30 billion in potential foreign aid — a significant jump from the estimated $8 billion previously covered.
The full impact of the decision is still unclear, especially as the Trump administration has already moved aggressively to cut foreign aid spending. This included dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), once the world’s largest government-backed aid agency.
Throughout his campaign and presidency, Trump frequently criticised transgender rights and reversed several policies introduced under former President Joe Biden. His administration sought to bar transgender female athletes from competing in girls’ sports and scrapped the option of using an “X” gender marker on U.S. passports.
Trump also made DEI initiatives a major political target, arguing that programmes designed to address historical discrimination unfairly disadvantage the white majority, a key part of his support base.
In contrast, Biden and other Democratic presidents routinely repealed the Mexico City policy during their time in office. Critics have long referred to it as the “global gag rule” because it prevents aid recipients from even discussing abortion.
