Charlize Theron criticizes Trump’s cuts to foreign aid as harmful to South Africa

Charlize Theron Criticizes Foreign Aid Cuts

Actress Charlize Theron expressed her anger over the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid on Saturday, arguing that these reductions have already led to numerous deaths. During the annual Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Program Block Party, she remarked, “The world feels like it’s on fire.”

Although she didn’t specifically name Trump, the Oscar-winning actress appeared to be addressing his administration’s efforts to minimize foreign aid spending, particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and USAID.

Theron argued that the cuts to foreign aid in South Africa have escalated deaths “at a terrible rate.” She cited the stagnation of HIV and AIDS programs as a particularly alarming consequence. “All of these are harmful, they are dangerous. People lose their lives. Many are already struggling at a terrible speed. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see this kind of unnecessary suffering,” she said.

Furthermore, Theron condemned recent attacks on immigrants in Los Angeles, emphasizing that women and LGBTQ individuals are increasingly at risk. “Here in Los Angeles, in the US and around the world, we are retreating quickly. Immigration policies are destroying family lives, not criminals. Women’s rights are becoming fewer and fewer, queer and trans lives are disappearing more and more,” she stated.

She did, however, convey a message of hope, urging people to stand up, organize, protest, and participate in the democratic process instead of accepting such conditions as the new normal. Theron highlighted various charitable initiatives as examples of positive action.