Senator Schumer Urges Trump Administration to Reverse Multi-Million Dollar Nepal Aid Cut

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) sharply criticized the Trump administration today for its sweeping termination of nearly all foreign aid and USAID-funded programs to Nepal, urging an immediate reversal of the decision. The cuts, which eliminate funding for critical sectors such as maternal and child health, agriculture, education, and environmental protection, have sparked widespread concern among lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates who warn of dire consequences for vulnerable populations in the Himalayan region.

In a detailed press release issued today, Schumer highlighted that just last year, $123.8 million was provided to Nepal through USAID funds. However, almost all foreign aid for health initiatives, education, agriculture, and environmental protection has now been cut. Before the agency was shuttered, USAID programs in Nepal focused on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance. USAID had partnered with Nepal to strengthen economic growth, healthcare and education systems, improve natural resource management, and reduce disaster risk.

In 2024, USAID assistance to Nepal included $24.58 million for maternal and child health and 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, and $4.19 million for water supply and sanitation.

Programs funded by USAID, such as the Nepal Biodiversity Activity, received more than $5 million to mitigate exploitation of natural resources and uncontrolled development, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management. Another program focused on pandemic control received more than $7 million to strengthen Nepal’s healthcare system against health crises like COVID-19. Additionally, the Energy Nepal program received over $4 million to develop a cost-effective, reliable, and safe electricity sector in Nepal.

Among the canceled USAID programs was an accelerated education initiative for girls who had never attended school or had dropped out early. Since July 2024, 13 centers involved in this program had provided accelerated education to 306 girls from vulnerable backgrounds. Just months away from graduation and formal schooling, these girls now face an uncertain future due to the sudden halt in U.S. foreign aid funds. Another discontinued program provided reproductive health services to over 65,000 youth in Nepal by training healthcare providers and strengthening public health services.

Schumer emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Nepal relationship and the value of the Nepali community in the USA. “The U.S.-Nepal relationship is critically important, and the Nepalese and Tibetan communities in the U.S.—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,” Schumer said.

Schumer urged the administration to reverse course immediately, stating, “Despite the lifesaving work of USAID and other critical U.S. 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.”

The decision to cut aid to Nepal has drawn fierce condemnation from elected officials and community advocates. New York Assembly Member Steven Raga, representing a district with a vibrant Nepali community, called the cuts “irresponsible” and a “direct attack on vulnerable communities,” especially as Nepal continues to recover from earthquakes, health crises, and economic challenges.

“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,” said 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 uplifting our international family, forging strong international alliances that resonate across the globe,” said Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar.

Council Member Julie Won emphasized the human toll, stating, “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 are 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.”

Council Member Shekar Krishnan, whose district includes many Nepalis and Tibetans, echoed this sentiment, urging the administration to restore aid to families in need. “My district is home to so many Nepalese and Tibetan refugees who 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.

Community leaders also voiced alarm. Somnath Ghimire, President of GPK Foundation America, condemned the freeze, noting its severe impact on rural livelihoods in Nepal. “The main four projects of USAID in Nepal—the 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 seriously affected because of the executive order of U.S. President Donald Trump to pause for review all American assistance funded by USAID. This will severely impact Nepal’s development aid and will also affect livelihoods and incomes, especially in remote and rural areas, generated by USAID-supported projects. I condemn the act of our President Trump in freezing the USAID in Nepal,” said Somnath Ghimire, President of GPK Foundation America.

Critics warn that the aid cuts could have broader implications, potentially pushing Nepal closer to China amid competing regional interests. Khagendra GC of Chhetry & Law Associates cautioned that the U.S. risks losing Nepal’s support, destabilizing a key ally, and harming Tibetan communities in the process. “Since 2022, USAID has signed an agreement for a 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 geopolitical situation for Nepal with competing interests of countries like China. As a result, the U.S. 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, Lawyer, Chhetry & Law Associates.

“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.

“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.