U.S. Policy Cuts Create ‘A Devastating Void’

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Category: News

Created on Wednesday, 12 March 2025 13:36

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EDITOR’S NOTE: In recent weeks the Sentinel has published reports by Mark Gorman about the work he and his wife Nancy Knapp were doing with U.S.-supported relief work in Myanmar. Over the weekend the Sentinel received Gorman’s last dispatch from Southeast Asia, which follows. 

By Mark Gorman

Vientiane, Peoples Republic of Laos March 7, 2025 – In a few hours, Nancy and I depart Vientiane, Laos, for home. We arrived seven weeks ago as a new U.S. foreign policy sent shock waves through the aid community, highly dependent on its largess. We leave, saddened by the immediate and troubling consequences of this sea change. 

During our time here, I developed a strategic plan for one non-governmental organization (NG0) that receives over 90% of its funding from the U.S. Government. Its focus is to shelter, train, and provide psycho-social services to support women and girls who have been trafficked. Yesterday, the U.S. State Department informed the director that it will release some of its funding. Other NGOs remain in limbo.

The World Education compound in Vientiane, Peoples Republic of Laos, stands empty Friday due to USAID budget cuts. (Photo by Mark Gorman)

Yesterday, I went to visit my former colleagues at World Education. I was its country director from 2010-2013. A month ago, I had stopped by to visit. At that time, there was confusion, mixed with fear that its programs dependent on USAID would be terminated. When I returned yesterday, those fears had become reality. The compound was deserted except for a small truck and a lone worker with a pneumatic jackhammer removing signage. The once-bustling compound, home to over 40 staff and crucial programs for people with disabilities, unexploded ordinance (UXO) victims, and primary school children, now stood empty. The only indication of World Education’s prior existence was a sign by the entrance that read “World Education, Funded by,” under which were two blank spaces which a month ago had read USAID and U.S. Department of State.

I reached out to one of my former colleagues to find out what had occurred. He informed me the office had been closed and most of the staff laid off. He had no idea as to what would happen next but said there was deep anxiety and sadness among all impacted. He added that the abrupt loss of funding has not only shuttered offices but also severed critical humanitarian services across Laos.

During my career, my earnings have come from local, state, and federal funding. I understand the frustrations of taxpayers who question the value of these services. There is room for reform—greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability are essential. However, change should be enacted with careful planning, integrity, and compassion. The United States’ sweeping and sudden withdrawal of humanitarian assistance has left a devastating void, highly impactful to the multitude of those in need and harmful to our standing as a global leader.

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