Trump administration is expanding global gag rule to export its ideology worldwide

Back to news list

Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s335.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-02-19T02:56:04-08:00

The Trump administration reinstated the global gag rule in January 2025, ending foreign aid to international organizations that provide or support abortion[1][2][3]. A year later, she announced an expansion of the policy, which will cut funding to organizations promoting gender ideology or diversity, equality, and inclusion efforts[1][3]. The extension covers non-US organizations, international organizations, US NGOs, and even other national governments[1][3]. The rule was originally instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and has been reactivated by several presidents[1][2]. Over the past year, global health aid has fallen by 21%[usercontent]. The decision of 20 January 2025 to limit foreign aid affected thousands of humanitarian, health and human rights initiatives[1][2]. The extension was announced on 23 or 24 January 2026[1][2][4].