Fiji Faces Job Losses as Trump Cuts USAID Aid

US President Donald Trump's decision to dismantle USAID operations in Fiji is causing significant job losses and halting aid to marginalized communities.

A USAID staff member in Fiji revealed that the country was being developed as a Pacific hub, but Trump's move has now jeopardized hundreds of jobs and put millions of dollars in grants for climate resilience, healthcare, economic growth, and digital connectivity on hold.

Civil society organizations, especially those in rural areas, are at risk.

Programs like Climate Ready and the Pacific American Fund have been suspended, and local staff are uncertain about their future as American staff are recalled to Washington.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, currently in Washington D.C., has raised concerns with US officials, stressing the need for Fiji to manage without US assistance and warning of the economic impact.

A US Embassy spokesperson noted that policy changes are common during presidential transitions and that the new administration is reviewing global programs to ensure they align with US interests.