The abrupt removal of U.S. international humanitarian aid by the Trump administration has had a profound impact on many Vermont organizations and workers. Jen Peterson, a Tetra Tech employee in Winooski, found herself furloughed alongside her husband, with about two-thirds of their colleagues facing the same fate. The ripple effect of these cuts extended beyond Tetra Tech, affecting Resonance Global, a Burlington-based international development firm that had to let go of five Vermont employees, reducing their workforce from 90 to 36.
Humanitarian Aid Workforce in Turmoil
Vermonters have played crucial roles in delivering international aid, with countless individuals suddenly losing their jobs and decades-old organizations losing funding. President Trump’s decision to shut down USAID, citing concerns about agency management, has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian aid community. This move, along with other economic policies, such as tariffs and federal workforce reductions, has left many Vermonters in limbo, unsure of their future job security.
The widespread impact of these cuts is evident in the story of ThinkMD, a Burlington-based medical software startup that conducted groundbreaking research in Nigeria with the help of USAID funding. Dr. Barry Finette, a co-founder of ThinkMD, highlighted the global implications of this research, emphasizing that years of hard work have been jeopardized by the sudden withdrawal of funds. Similarly, PH International, a nonprofit that received substantial funding from USAID over the years, had to make difficult decisions, including putting Vermont employees on reduced pay and suspending projects in Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine.
Voices of Concern and Advocacy
The repercussions of these aid cuts have not gone unnoticed, with concerned citizens and lawmakers raising their voices in support of foreign aid programs. Middlebury College professor Sarah Stroup emphasized that the impact goes beyond USAID employees and contractors, affecting employees of various NGOs as well. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch have expressed their concerns, advocating for stronger congressional oversight of foreign aid and highlighting the stabilizing role that USAID plays in fragile states.
The personal toll of these cutbacks is palpable in the story of Katherine Daniels, a South Burlington resident and former Peace Corps volunteer, who now faces an uncertain future as an independent consultant for USAID-funded nonprofits. Her experience reflects the broader sense of despair among aid workers in Vermont, who are grappling with the sudden loss of funding and the potential end of their careers in international development.
In the midst of these challenges, Vermonters like Thomas Buck, who have dedicated their careers to overseas aid work, are left reeling from the abrupt changes. Buck, along with many others in his network, is coming to terms with the harsh reality that their jobs may never be restored due to the lack of alternative funding sources. The uncertain landscape of international aid has left many Vermonters questioning their future and the future of humanitarian efforts worldwide.
As the dust settles on these devastating cuts, the resilience and determination of Vermont’s aid workers shine through, showcasing a commitment to global cooperation and support that transcends political upheavals. The impact of USAID cuts on Vermont aid workers serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the invaluable role of humanitarian aid in fostering stability and compassion across borders.
