An Associated Press social media post highlighted a transgender aid worker in Nepal who resorted to sex work after losing her job due to cuts in U.S. foreign aid. This led to significant backlash from conservative critics who interpreted the video as a call for defunding USAID instead of advocating for its preservation.
In Nepal, the Associated Press noted that around 100 LGBTQ aid workers affected by U.S. funding reductions have turned to sex work for survival. The focus of the accompanying video was on Rubi Lama, a former HIV outreach worker who emphasized the importance of USAID funding. She mentioned that that the program previously provided free condoms, lubricants, and HIV prevention medications.
“When we had USAID funding, condoms were free, lubricant was free,” Lama explained, regretting that these resources are no longer available. “But now it’s gone.”
Conservative critics quickly responded, asserting that the story raised questions about why U.S. taxpayer dollars were supporting these programs in the first place. Representative Brandon Gill from Texas stated that U.S. tax dollars should not fund the employment of transgender sex workers in Nepal, suggesting it’s time to reevaluate US financing of organizations like USAID.
Daily Wire host Matt Walsh sarcastically commented on the situation, questioning if there was an expectation for people to feel sympathetic about the matter.
This conflict arose shortly after President Trump re-entered office and initiated a 90-day freeze on new foreign aid obligations, prompting scrutiny of whether these programs align with his administration’s policies. Since then, USAID has instructed its partners to halt new funding and review existing grants. Critics argue that this has led to widespread disruptions and layoffs.
On the other hand, Molly Hemingway, editor-in-chief at The Federalist, contended that the AP unintentionally revealed misplaced priorities in the media by framing U.S. funding to the Trans-Nepal Job Protection Program as a responsible use of taxpayer money.
In her post on X, Hemingway mentioned the Associated Press’s message about tax dollars going to the program, insinuating that it’s not an effective use of public funds. Republican activist Jack Posobiec humorously remarked about the cuts to USAID funding for the trans community in Nepal, suggesting a positive outcome from the situation.
