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The Hidden Cost of Dismantling Foreign Aid

Brief

Bloomberg Originals' investigative video (published July 28, 2026) uses data analysis and reporting to show how reductions to U.S. foreign-aid programs led to the shuttering of at least 80 WASH projects. Though aid was under 1% of the budget, those cuts stopped efforts to expand clean-water access for over 11 million people.

Why it matters

U.S. foreign aid made up less than 1% of the federal budget, yet cuts and dismantling of aid programs closed at least 80 water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects worldwide.

Key details

  • The project closures halted promised clean-water improvements for more than 11 million people, according to Bloomberg Originals' investigation published July 28, 2026.
Source evidence

Foreign aid accounted for less than 1% of the US budget, but its dismantling shuttered at least 80 water, sanitation and hygiene projects worldwide — breaking the promise to improve access to clean water to more than 11 million people. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2026-usaid-water-projects-trump-cuts/


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Channel: Bloomberg Originals
Published: 2026-07-28
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri8l2Q7WkD0