During the run-up to Trump's second term, he already announced several measures. His entourage also put forward various proposals that affect people all over the world. On his first day, for example, Trump already froze all development aid spending for 90 days, so that spending can be evaluated before it restarts.
Global Gag Rule
Just like during his first term, Trump signed the Global Gag Rule. This measure is about the international cooperation of the US. The measure prohibits American financial support for organizations worldwide that offer abortion care in other countries, refer to it or simply discuss the topic. Even though they received American money for activities that have nothing to do with abortion, such as HIV testing and cervical cancer screening. As the largest donor in the world, the damage from this should not be underestimated.
More information can be found in the opinion piece signed by more than 75 signatories from civil society, the medical sector and academia.
Attacks on the multilateral system
On the first day of his second term, President Trump withdrew from the WHO. This is part of a broader strategy that aims to paralyse or disrupt international consultation forums. The international agreements that countries make are building blocks for effective national policy. It also ensures that parliamentarians and civil society can question governments about international agreements.
Read more about the consequences of Trump's second term in the briefing of Countdown 2030 Europe.
There may also be negative consequences for Belgium. Trump has withdrawn from the WHO and will most likely also stop financial support to UNFPA. It is unclear how big the impact will be on Belgian companies or companies that produce in Belgium now that the budgets of UNFPA and WHO have to be drastically reduced. We have no insight into the exact contracts. But we do know that Pfizer produces the contraceptive injection and partnered with UNFPA for $11.7 million in 2021.
What can policy makers do to mitigate the damage?
- During its first term in office, Belgium was the initiator of the international response to Trump's damaging foreign policy with the She Decides movement. At the moment, there is no international response. Parliament can send a clear signal that Belgium must once again take the initiative for an international response.
- Safeguarding the ODA budget in general is now even more important. Also specifically about gender, health and SRHR. The Global Gag Rule means that at least 12 billion less will go to international cooperation. Belgium not only has to fill that funding gap, but can take on part of the responsibility.