US Pledges $2B UN Aid, Demands 'Adapt or Die' from Agencies

• The US announced a $2 billion pledge for UN humanitarian aid, a significant reduction from previous contributions.
• President Trump's administration warns UN agencies they must "adapt, shrink or die" due to new financial realities.
• The new model, championed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to share the burden, cut bloat, and improve accountability through an umbrella fund via OCHA.
• Critics argue these aid cutbacks are shortsighted, causing increased suffering and harming US soft power globally, despite rising humanitarian needs.
• Afghanistan, Yemen, and Palestinian territories are notably excluded from initial funding due to concerns over aid diversion and an incomplete peace plan.

Why It Matters: US commits $2B to UN aid with strict reform demands, signaling a new era of accountability and efficiency.