Can Rabuka Change Trump’s Mind on USAID and the Paris Accord?

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will attend the Presidential Prayer Breakfast today, where he told Fiji media outlet FijiLive that he expects to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

PM Rabuka has been vocal in his calls for the U.S. to reconsider its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement he views as vital for the survival of vulnerable Pacific Island nations.

Fiji, like many of its Pacific neighbors, is on the frontline of the climate crisis, grappling with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the long-term economic and social costs of environmental degradation.

In addition to climate concerns, Rabuka may also raise the issue of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), following announcements of funding cuts under the Trump administration.

The withdrawal of USAID support will have far-reaching consequences for Fiji and the Pacific region, where U.S. aid has been instrumental in supporting development projects, disaster relief efforts, health programs, and climate resilience initiatives.

Rabuka’s meeting with Trump could be a rare opportunity to directly address these issues, as both he and the Fijian government have largely been ignored on the global stage when it comes to influencing U.S. foreign policy decisions thus far.

Can Prime Minister Rabuka sway President Trump on these matters, or will Fiji’s concerns continue to be overlooked?