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Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the overseas charitable arm of the Catholic Church in the United States, has called on the Trump administration to resume payments for essential foreign aid work. This appeal follows a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that only a small portion of programs from the now-closed U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) would continue.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, acting as a special adviser to President Donald Trump, has played a role in targeting USAID for closure through his Department of Government Efficiency task force. The task force aims to reduce federal spending and has led to cuts affecting humanitarian aid agencies globally, including those run by faith-based organizations.
In a statement dated March 17, CRS emphasized its belief in protecting human life as a "precious gift from God." The organization reported halting much of its government-supported work due to payment delays, affecting food distribution and health services for women and children.
The termination of numerous CRS projects will cut off critical aid to over 20 million people worldwide. These programs not only save lives but also help lift communities out of poverty and support local partners providing essential services.
During this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to build communities rooted in solidarity. CRS highlighted that their programs focus on aiding very poor communities and stressed that the U.S., as a powerful nation, has a moral duty to assist vulnerable populations.
CRS urged the administration to reverse program terminations and promptly issue payments for continued assistance. They warned that ending these programs weakens peace, stability, and prosperity foundations.
Foreign aid constitutes a small portion of U.S. government spending—1.2% of fiscal year 2023's total federal outlays according to Pew Research Center data.
Kate Scanlon reports on Washington for OSV News and can be followed on X @kgscanlon.
