On Inauguration Day, 20 January 2025, Donald J. Trump signed an executive order that immediately halted almost all U.S. foreign aid – including health and food resources. Since that point, Trump has systematically gutted USAID. Trump plans to reduce this United States government agency from 10,000 to 611 employees and shut down its management and distribution of billions in funding provided for those in need around the world. In 2023, of the $68 Billion the United States distributed in International aid, USAID was responsible for about $40 Billion. On 30 January 2025, Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D. spoke with the Rev. Chantel Fortuin, pastor of Lorwana African Methodist Episcopal Church (in the Southern District of Botswana), about the current state of affairs in Botswana – and the Lobatse, Hukutsi, and Gaborone Presiding Elder Districts of the 18th Episcopal District. What follows are the Rev. Fortuin’s responses to some of the Rev. Dr. Leath’s inquiries.
