Celebrities Speak Out Against Foreign Aid Cuts
Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress, has joined the growing list of Hollywood figures criticizing President Donald Trump’s cuts to foreign aid spending.
At a fundraiser for the African Outreach Program in Los Angeles, Theron expressed her concerns about the recent reductions to USAID and other immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration.
“It feels like the world is on fire,” she remarked, reflecting on the pressing issues faced both in the U.S. and globally. “Here in Los Angeles, and really everywhere, we seem to be sliding backward,” she added. “The impacts on families, especially with immigration policy, are dire. We’re witnessing diminishing rights for women, and the lives of queer and trans individuals are increasingly at risk. Gender-based violence is on the rise. This transcends policy—it’s personal.”
Theron voiced a strong belief that the cuts to foreign aid, particularly USAID, could prove lethal. “These reductions are not just harmful; they’re a matter of life and death,” she exclaimed. “In South Africa, we’ve seen the stagnation of initiatives aimed at combating HIV and AIDS due to funding constraints. It’s incredibly distressing to observe unnecessary suffering caused by such decisions.”
Having established the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project nearly two decades ago, Theron emphasized her focus on philanthropy in Africa. She expressed optimism amid the challenges, highlighting resistance to the Trump administration’s policies. “There’s hope,” she said, urging people to stand up, organize, and demand change. “The spirit of hope and community is what drives our work at CTAOP. We believe every life deserves health, safety, and recognition.”
In contrast, a recent video on social media showed some gratitude in Gaza toward Trump for a $30 million food aid commitment.
Theron also pointed out that the cuts represent a tiny fraction of the budget but have colossal repercussions, potentially endangering millions. “It’s less than 1% of the budget, but it could mean millions of lives lost,” she concluded.
