In a disturbing turn of events, three U.S. aid workers were terminated while in Myanmar, where they were actively involved in rescue and recovery efforts following the country’s devastating earthquake. According to Marcia Wong, a former senior official at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the workers received their termination notices late this week. This action highlights the ongoing consequences of the Trump administration’s dramatic cuts to foreign aid, which have significantly hindered the U.S. government’s ability to respond to international disasters.
The earthquake in Myanmar, which struck on March 28, 2025, has claimed over 3,300 lives, with many more affected by the widespread destruction. Despite pledging $9 million in aid, the U.S. response has been under heavy scrutiny. Wong, who served as the deputy administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, expressed deep concern over the impact of these terminations on the morale of the aid team. She described the situation as demoralizing, especially for those working tirelessly to deliver humanitarian assistance under difficult circumstances.
“These individuals were putting in an extraordinary effort to help those in need. To suddenly learn of their termination while still in the disaster zone is beyond discouraging,” Wong stated. The team had been working under grueling conditions, with many staff members even sleeping in the streets due to aftershocks and the fear of further building collapses. Their terminations, which will take effect in a few months, have raised alarm among former USAID officials about the dismantling of the agency.
In addition to the lay-offs, Wong pointed out that much of the coordination for the disaster response has fallen apart, as nearly all USAID staff involved in the operation have been let go. Contractors and third-party partners who typically assist in implementing aid programs have also seen their contracts cut, severely limiting the U.S. government’s capacity to provide necessary relief.
The Trump administration has faced widespread criticism for its decision to reduce funding to USAID, which has had a direct impact on its ability to respond to global crises. This is especially concerning as other countries, including China, Russia, and India, have swiftly offered assistance to Myanmar. Meanwhile, the U.S. response has been slower and more fragmented, leaving many to question whether the cuts to USAID were short-sighted in terms of global humanitarian leadership.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, rejected claims that the slow U.S. response was due to these funding cuts. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Rubio attributed the delay to Myanmar’s military government, which he claimed was hostile to U.S. involvement and has actively hindered humanitarian aid efforts. The military junta’s restrictions on foreign aid have further complicated relief efforts, with the United Nations also reporting that the junta has severely limited the aid reaching those in need.
Rubio’s comments underscore the complexity of working in Myanmar, where political and military challenges pose a significant barrier to effective aid distribution. Nevertheless, the broader issue remains: the Trump administration’s cuts to USAID are undermining the United States’ ability to lead in global humanitarian crises.
While the U.S. government has historically been the world’s top humanitarian donor, Rubio acknowledged that this role may now be shifting, urging other wealthy nations to step up and fill the gap in assisting Myanmar. As the situation in Myanmar continues to unfold, many are questioning whether the cuts to foreign aid have left the U.S. ill-equipped to address the needs of people in disaster zones.
