Freezing Support for Democracy and Human Rights Activists Undermines U.S. Interests: While much of the world’s focus has been on the immediate humanitarian and security fallout of former President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid, there’s another critical consequence—one that’s getting far less attention but could have profound long-term effects. The freeze also halts support for democracy and human rights activists who are working tirelessly to build societies that respect the rights and needs of their citizens.
On top of that, many experienced professionals at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department—people who ensure this aid is effectively used—were abruptly dismissed. This isn’t just a blow to the countries that rely on such support; it’s a strategic misstep that weakens America’s own security, stability, and global standing. When the U.S. backs advocates for democracy and human rights, it’s not just an act of goodwill—it’s an investment in a more stable and secure world, which directly benefits American interests.
Why This Aid Matters for America’s Security and Prosperity
Senator Marco Rubio once summed up America’s foreign aid priorities with three simple questions:
- Does it make America safer?
- Does it make America stronger?
- Does it make America more prosperous?
The answer to all three, when it comes to supporting democracy and human rights activists, is a resounding yes.
This funding helps courageous individuals fighting against human rights abuses—things like extrajudicial killings, torture, human trafficking, and government corruption. It also supports free speech, religious freedom, and press freedom. By cutting off aid, the U.S. weakens these essential efforts and hands a victory to authoritarian regimes that benefit from silence and suppression.
One striking example is the programs that provide secure internet access in countries like China, Iran, and Russia, where oppressive governments censor and monitor online activity. Without U.S. backing, dissidents lose crucial tools to organize, communicate, and expose injustices.
A Legacy of Bipartisan Support Under Threat
Supporting democracy abroad isn’t a new idea—it’s been a core part of U.S. foreign policy for decades. President Ronald Reagan championed this cause when he called for building an “infrastructure for democracy,” leading to the creation of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). This bipartisan initiative includes:
- The International Republican Institute (IRI) – affiliated with the Republican Party
- The National Democratic Institute (NDI) – affiliated with the Democratic Party
- The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) – strengthening democracy through economic development
- The Solidarity Center – promoting international labor rights
While the NED technically falls outside the foreign aid freeze, its funding has also been stalled by the Trump administration. As a result, democracy and human rights organizations that depend on these grants are now struggling to survive.
Real-World Consequences: The Case of Syria
One of the most impactful democracy-support programs was a USAID-funded initiative helping women and children return home after being trapped in ISIS-controlled areas. Take, for example, a woman who was swept up in the fall of ISIS’s so-called “caliphate” in 2019 and ended up in the notorious Al Hol refugee camp. Thanks to U.S. funding, she was able to return home, receive training about her rights, and now helps other mothers reintegrate into society. Programs like this don’t just change individual lives—they stabilize entire regions, reducing the likelihood of extremist groups regaining influence.
With the aid freeze, this crucial work has come to a halt, leaving vulnerable populations in limbo and increasing the risk of future instability.
Why Democracy Promotion Strengthens the U.S.
Authoritarian regimes thrive in environments where voices are silenced, corruption runs unchecked, and citizens lack the means to push for change. When America steps back from supporting democracy, it creates a vacuum that gets filled by countries like China and Russia—nations that actively seek to undermine democratic institutions worldwide.
The argument for continued U.S. support isn’t just moral—it’s economic and strategic. Research by Nobel Prize-winning economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson shows that democratic nations tend to have stronger economies over the long run. The reason? Transparent governance, the rule of law, and free markets create conditions for innovation and investment. A more democratic world means more economic opportunities for American businesses, from trade partnerships to investment in emerging markets.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” History has repeatedly proven this to be true. Countries that allow their citizens to voice concerns and elect leaders tend to be more stable and peaceful. And a more peaceful world means fewer conflicts that the U.S. needs to intervene in—saving American lives and taxpayer dollars.
The “Wars We Never Get Into”
As Trump himself noted in his inaugural address, success isn’t just about the battles America wins—it’s also about the wars it avoids. Studies consistently show that democratic nations are far less likely to go to war with each other. By investing in democracy-building efforts, the U.S. reduces the likelihood of conflicts erupting in regions where instability could spill over into global crises.
More stable democracies also create better trade partners. Countries that embrace the rule of law and transparency are more attractive markets for American businesses. When these nations prosper, they buy more U.S. goods and services, creating jobs and economic growth at home.
Who We Are Letting Down
When the U.S. withdraws support, it directly impacts people who are on the frontlines of change. These are:
- Chinese dissidents exposing government mismanagement and human rights abuses
- Cuban protesters standing against a regime that fails to meet basic needs
- Iranian exiles working to hold their government accountable
- North Korean defectors trying to bring information to one of the world’s most closed-off societies
- Journalists in Ukraine and Angola exposing corruption to make their governments more accountable
- Religious leaders in Nigeria and Sudan who risk their lives to protect religious minorities
- Former trafficking victims from the Philippines helping prevent exploitation of migrant workers
Many of these individuals and organizations operate on minimal funding. U.S. support is often their lifeline, as few other governments are willing to fund such high-risk, politically sensitive work. Without it, many have already been forced to shut down or lay off staff, leaving authoritarian regimes unchecked and vulnerable populations without protection.
Final Thoughts: America’s Reputation is at Stake
The world is watching. Freezing aid to democracy and human rights activists doesn’t just hurt those on the ground—it damages America’s credibility. It gives authoritarian regimes like Russia and China more ammunition to claim that the U.S. is unreliable and uninterested in standing by its allies.
For nearly 40 years, the bipartisan “infrastructure for democracy” has been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy. Letting it collapse now would be a historic mistake—one that future generations will pay for. It’s time to restore this funding and reaffirm America’s commitment to a freer, more just world. Because when we support those fighting for democracy, we don’t just help them—we strengthen our own security, economy, and global leadership.
What’s Next?
If you believe in the importance of democracy and human rights, consider reaching out to your representatives. Let them know that this funding matters—not just for those fighting on the front lines but for America’s long-term security and prosperity.