Angelina Jolie ‘Extremely Upset and Very Ill’ About Trump’s Reductions to USAID

Angelina Jolie Expresses Anger Over USAID Cuts

Actress and activist Angelina Jolie shared her frustration with reporters on Friday, expressing that President Donald Trump’s decisions to cut USAID spending would make her “very angry” and “very sick.”

Jolie made these remarks during a press event as she arrived at the Chopard Gala in Cannes on May 16th. Responding to inquiries about the billions in charitable funding being reduced, she noted the impact this would have on significant global causes and issues, which have historically been supported by U.S. taxpayers.

“I believe everyone is aware of my feelings regarding this. I have plenty to say, but I don’t think this is the right setting,” she indicated, when asked about the spending cuts.

“However, I definitely have a lot to share. I’ll expand on this and personally visit these areas. But, um, it’s truly serious. It just isn’t right.”

Jolie has dedicated much of her time to film and working with various international needs. Recently, she has also been vocal regarding the situation in Israel and the conflict involving Hamas, the group responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Jolie was reported as supporting Gaza and criticizing Israeli strategies aimed at dismantling Hamas networks, questioning the morality of the Israeli responses to the civilian casualties caused by those attacks.

She has faced backlash for her ongoing critical posts related to Israel on social media.

Jolie has also engaged in various political causes. In 2021, she advocated before Congress for measures against violence toward women and supported legislation regarding gun control and transgender rights.

Having joined the United Nations in 2001 as a “goodwill ambassador,” she has championed numerous foreign aid initiatives. By 2012, she became a special envoy, working closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on various issues.

Given her history of philanthropy, Jolie’s frustration over reductions in U.S. aid to impoverished nations is understandable. However, one might question the extent of her compassion towards domestic issues.