Trump's Budget Cuts Spark Health Crisis Concerns Amid Ebola Threat

WHO:

Alternet - Ben Smilowitz, founder of the Disaster Accountability Project and SmartResponse.org, warned about the health crisis.

CBS News World - Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected accusations against the Trump administration.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Trump administration cut 615 of 770 identifiable USAID global health awards, totaling $12.7 billion, which funded disease surveillance, outbreak prevention, emergency response, and crisis operations.

Alternet - There are more than 900 suspected cases of Ebola and at least 230 deaths reported.

Alternet - The new version of Ebola is described as more deadly than previous strains.

Alternet - Smilowitz stated that between 2014-2016, 11,000 people died across multiple West African countries due to Ebola.

WHERE:

Alternet - The Ebola outbreak is occurring in central Africa and specifically mentioned West Africa in the context of past outbreaks.

WHY:

Alternet - The budget cuts to international public health funds by the Trump administration are contributing to the worsening Ebola situation.

Alternet - Smilowitz criticized the dismantling of public health infrastructure and the withdrawal from the World Health Organization as factors leading to the current crisis.

HOW:

Alternet - Smilowitz called for restoring funding for the Ebola response, rebuilding USAID and CDC, and reengaging with the World Health Organization for effective outbreak response.

Alternet - He emphasized the need for rapid testing, trained health workers, protective equipment, case isolation, safe transport, contact tracing, community trust, and international coordination to combat the outbreak.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 21:57 UTC)

Ben Smilowitz, founder of the Disaster Accountability Project, has issued a stark warning about a health crisis stemming from significant budget cuts by the Trump administration, which slashed 615 of 770 USAID global health awards, totaling $12.7 billion, that were crucial for disease surveillance and outbreak prevention. The current Ebola outbreak in central Africa has seen over 900 suspected cases and at least 230 reported deaths, with this new strain being described as more deadly than previous ones, raising alarms reminiscent of the devastating epidemic that claimed 11,000 lives in West Africa between 2014 and 2016. Smilowitz is calling for urgent action, including restoring funding for Ebola response efforts and reengaging with the World Health Organization, emphasizing the need for rapid testing, trained health workers, and international coordination to effectively combat the outbreak.