Trump administration cuts $25 million Global Equality Fund for LGBTQ advocacy abroad, demonstrating a significant policy shift in U.S. foreign assistance priorities.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration halted the $25 million Global Equality Fund that previously distributed over $100 million to LGBTQ initiatives in more than 100 countries
- The program was removed from official State Department platforms as part of a broader review of foreign aid alignment with administration priorities
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the assessment of foreign assistance programs, resulting in the termination of those not matching Trump’s policy goals
- Human rights groups had already begun preparing for potential cuts, launching alternative funding initiatives like the “Fund Our Futures” campaign
- The move is part of Trump’s larger effort to reduce what his administration describes as “waste, fraud, and abuse” in federal government spending
Foreign Aid Realignment Under Trump
The Trump administration removed a $25 million program promoting LGBTQ advocacy abroad from the State Department website, marking a decisive shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities. This Global Equality Fund, established under previous administrations, had been a significant source of support for LGBTQ initiatives worldwide, distributing more than $100 million across over 100 countries during its decade-long operation. The fund was managed by the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and supported by various partner organizations.
President Trump paused foreign aid for a 90-day period to assess alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives, resulting in a halt in spending on most foreign aid grants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently led a comprehensive review of foreign assistance programs, which culminated in the termination of programs deemed inconsistent with the administration’s priorities. The Global Equality Fund has now been completely removed from the State Department’s website and is only available in archived content.
Financial Impact and Alternative Funding
Prior to the cuts, the Global Equality Fund had been instrumental in supporting legal reforms and anti-discrimination efforts in collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, and various governments. During the Biden administration, the fund had offered substantial grants, including $2.1 million for LGBTQ rights initiatives and awards ranging from $750,000 to $1.5 million for LGBTQ-led projects in 2023. In 2021, the fund provided up to $1 million for empowerment projects specifically targeting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
“What we knew was that the winds were not in our favor. The winds were not in our sail, and we saw all around the world a kind of moral panic,” said Matthew Hart.
In anticipation of funding changes, the Global Philanthropy Project launched the “Fund Our Futures” campaign, successfully raising over $100 million for LGBTQ organizations globally. Their campaign continues with a goal of raising an additional $50 million. This proactive approach reflects the concerns within the human rights community about maintaining funding continuity during administrative transitions. Despite these new resources, organizations report that government funding cuts have significantly disrupted LGBTQ support groups worldwide.
Broader Context of Policy Changes
The cuts to the Global Equality Fund are consistent with Trump’s broader Executive Orders against government-funded promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion programs, gender ideology, and critical race theory. David Ditch, a senior analyst cited in reports, highlighted the significant federal funding directed toward politically left-associated causes during the Biden administration and pointed to the need for congressional action. Trump’s administration framed these changes as part of an effort to reduce what they characterize as waste in federal spending.
“Preparation is really important, And then also, so is being responsive when the context looks different than what you prepared for,” said Phil Buchanan.
The cuts to LGBTQ advocacy funding come amid rising concerns about authoritarianism and religiously motivated political movements viewed as threats to LGBTQ communities globally. Human rights organizations have been developing frameworks like the “Better Preparedness” initiative to coordinate responses to such policy shifts. The Netherlands and Sweden have also announced reductions to their foreign assistance programs that supported LGBTQ initiatives, compounding the impacts of U.S. funding changes on global advocacy efforts.
