An Associated Press (AP) social media post about transgender individuals in Nepal turning to sex work due to U.S. foreign aid cuts sparked considerable criticism from conservatives. The AP story reported on around 100 LGBTQ aid workers losing their jobs as a result of President Trump's 90-day review period for new foreign aid programs and suspensions for existing grants during his administration's assessment of whether the programs align with his foreign policy.
USAID directed its partners to halt new funding commitments and halt work on existing projects while critics argue that the review led to significant disruptions, staff cuts, and the cancellation of essential foreign assistance awards.
The AP post highlights the perception that U.S. tax dollars were being allocated to a "transgender job protection program" as if it was a smart use of public funds.
Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, commented on the AP post, stating that the outlet promoted Democrat propaganda by presenting U.S. taxpayer money being funneled to a transgender job protection program.
Republican activist Jack Posobiec quipped about the situation, asking, "How dare Elon cut USAID funds to the Nepalese transgender sex worker community."
