The Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa (IDEA) has issued a passionate appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider his administration’s decision to halt USAID funding to developing countries—a move the organization says could have catastrophic consequences for millions of vulnerable people.

Dr. Denise A. O. Kodhe, the Director General of IDEA and a seasoned journalist, warned that the decision to freeze funding is not only untimely but also “disastrous,” with far-reaching implications on health, food security, and overall livelihoods in regions already grappling with poverty and climate-related challenges.

“This decision is punitive and appears to have been made without adequate consideration of the lives it will affect,” said Dr. Kodhe. “It risks reversing decades of progress in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and water access, especially in arid and semi-arid areas across Africa.”

USAID has long been a lifeline for many communities in Africa and other developing regions, funding programs that address malnutrition, support sustainable agriculture, improve health services, and promote economic empowerment through initiatives like community banking.

According to IDEA, the U.S. government’s support has also created employment for millions and fostered resilience in communities facing environmental and economic hardships.

The funding freeze comes amid a broader pattern of the U.S. government under President Trump tightening its global stance through trade tariffs, sanctions, and a more inward-focused foreign policy. Several developing nations have felt the impact of these economic and diplomatic measures, which often include reduced aid, increased import/export restrictions, and pressure to align with U.S. political and economic interests.

While such policies are often justified on the basis of national security or economic protectionism, development organizations argue that they disproportionately affect the poorest communities and destabilize long-term partnerships built over decades.

“Cutting this funding isn’t just about money—it’s about lives,” Dr. Kodhe emphasized. “This is a humanitarian issue that requires bipartisan understanding and urgent reconsideration.”