Protesters disrupt budget hearing over cuts to HIV funding

Protesters interrupted a budget hearing on Capitol Hill this week, condemning Russell Vought, the Trump administration’s budget czar, for slashing the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar). The demonstrators halted the proceedings twice, chanting, "Pepfar saves lives – spend the money" and holding signs reading, "Vought cuts kill people with Aids." Activists argue that the Trump administration's cuts to global aid, including Pepfar, threaten the lives of those battling HIV/Aids.

Asia Russell, executive director of Health GAP, stated, "There are trickles of funds getting out, but it’s in stop-and-start constantly," emphasizing that organizations on the ground are struggling to pay employees and continue their efforts. The Trump administration has cut global health spending by nearly half for the fiscal year 2027, which begins in October, and Vought highlighted the dismantling of USAID as an accomplishment.

Vought defended the administration's actions, claiming compliance with the law, while Russell argued that the administration is "defying the will of Congress," which is responsible for appropriating funds. The U.S. Government Accountability Office determined that funds were impounded, violating the Impoundment Control Act. Six protesters were arrested during the disruption, marking Vought's first appearance before House lawmakers in 15 months.

The cuts have already resulted in an estimated 780,000 deaths in the first year, with projections indicating 14 million deaths by 2030 due to funding reductions. Russell warned that the global health organizations' work has been "put on ice," leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases.

What to watch: The upcoming budget discussions in Congress regarding global health funding and potential responses to the ongoing protests.