Trump Orders Review To Block Aid Tied To Gender Rules

According to Ireporter Online, the administration of President Donald Trump has announced plans to block billions of dollars in foreign aid connected to programmes that promote gender ideology and diversity-related policies.

The decision was disclosed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by a senior United States official, who said the move is aimed at preventing American funds from supporting initiatives that advance such policies outside the country.

The proposed measure expands the long-standing Mexico City policy, which was first introduced during the administration of former President Ronald Reagan. The policy bars the United States from providing financial support to foreign organisations that perform or promote abortion services.

Under the expanded framework, foreign aid will also be withheld from programmes linked to gender ideology as well as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The official explained that the objective is to ensure US taxpayer funds are not used to support abortion services, gender-related programmes or policies the administration considers discriminatory.

The new policy could impact more than 30 billion dollars in potential foreign aid, a significant increase from the approximately 8 billion dollars affected under the previous version of the policy. However, the full implications remain uncertain, as the Trump administration has already implemented wide-ranging cuts to foreign assistance.

In addition, the government has scaled back the role of the US Agency for International Development, once regarded as the world’s largest public aid provider.

Throughout his campaign and presidency, Trump has consistently opposed transgender rights and reversed several policies enacted under former President Joe Biden. His administration has taken steps to prevent transgender girls from competing in female sports and removed the option of an “X” gender marker on US passports.

The president has also criticised diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in educational institutions and workplaces, arguing that such initiatives unfairly disadvantage white Americans, a demographic that makes up a significant portion of his political base.