Mercy Corps warns of ‘devastating consequences’ after Trump cuts 41 programs

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland-based Mercy Corps is warning that cuts from the Trump administration could cost lives.

According to the nonprofit, 41 programs have been terminated, including nine labeled “lifesaving” by the US State Department.

These cuts impact 5 million people, with services like water and sanitation for Syrian camps, aid for Venezuelan refugees, nutrition for 30,000 children in Ethiopia and even the prevention of youth radicalization by extremist groups in West Africa.

Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna condemned the administration’s decision in a statement, noting these cuts will have “devastating consequences.”

“These programs not only saved lives, they prevented conflict and instability, and helped communities recover from crisis, reducing long-term reliance on aid,” she said. “Ending these programs so suddenly will be destabilizing and have devastating consequences for trust in the communities that relied on them.”

As a result, Mercy Corps is urging the administration to restart the programs.