The Trump administration’s 90-day suspension of foreign assistance funding has brought critical development programs in Cambodia to a standstill, sparking concern among NGOs and civil society organizations. The Cambodian government has yet to confirm the impact on USAID-supported projects in key sectors.
On January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days to review their alignment with his administration’s policy goals. The suspension is part of a broader effort to ensure U.S. foreign aid reflects American values and serves national interests. However, the immediate impact on existing programs is unclear, as many have received funds through Congressional appropriations.
The move garnered international criticism, including UN secretary-general Antonio Gutteres, whose spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, quoted him as saying that the aid suspension was concerning as the U.S was the largest aid donor in the world.
Globally, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) managed a budget of $22.6 billion for 2025. In Cambodia, USAID contributed over $3 billion to various sectors over the past three decades, ranging from health and agriculture to governance and education.
During her visit to Cambodia in October, USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced over $17 million aid to improve healthcare and $29 million for the Food for Progress program to strengthen agriculture and food systems. USAID also offered more than $6 million for civil society, media, and labor initiatives, along with $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to support collaboration and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid has put the future of numerous Cambodian programs at risk. While civil society organizations report immediate disruptions, government agencies have yet to confirm the extent of the impact. NGOs warn that a prolonged pause could hinder Cambodia’s progress in areas like human rights, education, and economic development, while also limiting job opportunities and community growth initiatives.
“This suspension of assistance is a major impact on Adhoc’s activities in contributing to the improvement of the human rights and democracy situation in Cambodia,” said Ny Sokha, president of Cambodian rights group Adhoc. “Cambodia is a poor country that needs foreign assistance to develop the country as well as its human resources.”
He noted that cutting off significant assistance to poor countries could impact Trump’s popularity, expressing hope that the U.S. would reconsider its stance. He warned that a complete suspension of aid over the next three months will pose serious challenges for civil society organizations, particularly in developing nations.
“This will greatly affect our efforts to support vulnerable communities and strengthen democracy in Cambodia,” he added.
The suspension has already affected civil society organizations. Chhan Sokunthea, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM), said two USAID-supported projects promoting media and strengthening citizen journalists’ capacity have been impacted.
Meng Lihor, a youth leader working on the “Connect Phum 5” project under Future Forum, said her community-building initiative along the Stung Meanchey Canal was suspended on January 25.
“We did not think the suspension would affect small projects, but after receiving the news, we felt sad because this project is beneficial to the community,” she said.
Similarly, Heng Kimhong, president of advocacy group Cambodian Youth Network (CYN), expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the aid halt.
CYN promotes environmental protection alongside youth freedom, human rights and social justice, thus Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement would have negative implications on their work.
“I would deeply regret a permanent suspension of aid as Cambodia is particularly vulnerable to the loss of international support. We’ve already seen countries like Sweden withdraw aid from Cambodia,” he said.
Despite this, he remains hopeful that alternative funding or solutions will be found to ensure sustainability. He emphasized the critical role of aid in fostering democracy, human rights, environmental protection, job creation, economic growth, and human resource development, particularly through skill-building initiatives.
“As civil society, I hope the United States and other donors will continue their support to sustain international cooperation. This will ensure the ongoing promotion of democracy, social justice and human rights,” he added.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh declined to comment, citing global directive and directed enquiries to the Department of State. The Department of State and USAID Cambodia did not respond.
The concerns voiced by local NGOs were echoed by the U.S.-based think tank Stimson Center, where some of its Mekong-focused projects have been ordered to halt. However, it is actively working to resolve the issue by launching a fundraising campaign to support the continuation of their critical work in the region.
Meanwhile, Cambodian government agencies remain uncertain about the aid suspension’s direct impact. Khim Finan, spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said it was unclear how the suspension would affect their projects. Khoun Vicheka, spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), said no official information has been received.
Ly Sovann, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Department under the Ministry of Health, confirmed that USAID funding for health initiatives has not been disrupted. “The process is continuing as usual,” he said.
USAID has partnered with MoEYS to enhance Cambodia’s education sector. The $25 million Integrated Primary Education (IPEA) Project focuses on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills for primary school students, supporting the Komar Rien Komar Cheh (children learn, children know) program to improve children’s basic literacy across the country.
In 2023, USAID launched the five-year Enhancing Quality of Healthcare Activity II (EQHA II) initiative, with $35 million funding. The EQHA II project will be implemented by FHI 360 with coordination from the Ministry of Health.
Government spokesperson Pen Bona did not respond.