A recent Associated Press report about transgender aid workers in Nepal turning to sex work due to U.S. foreign aid cuts has sparked conservative criticism. The report highlighted that around 100 LGBTQ aid workers, affected by funding reductions, faced limited job options in a conservative culture.
The report featured Rubi Lama, a former HIV outreach worker. She noted that USAID-funded programs previously provided free condoms, lubricant, and HIV prevention medication, which ceased following funding cuts.
Conservatives criticized the report for its framing. They questioned the necessity of U.S. taxpayer-funded programs in Nepal. Rep. Brandon Gill and Daily Wire host Matt Walsh were among those who openly mocked the allocation of funds to what they described as “random trannies in Asia.”
The backlash coincides with former President Donald Trump’s administration pausing new foreign assistance obligations while reviewing program alignment with his foreign policy. This review resulted in disruptions, staff reductions, and the cancellation of certain foreign-assistance awards.
Mollie Hemingway of the Federalist argued that the report highlighted misplaced priorities, presenting the funding as a misuse of public money. Similar sentiments were echoed by Republican activist Jack Posobiec in response to the report’s implications.