The Red Cross Is in the Crosshairs of Trump’s Foreign Aid Politics

The International Committee of the Red Cross-run field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, is fighting to stay operational. ICRC’s lobby efforts to maintain U.S. funding is being met with more skepticism than before.

Hamas Hostages Red Cross in Rafah AP-25053414328228
The Red Cross has helped faciliate the return of hostages. Abed Rahim Khatib/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

As doctors at the International Committee of the Red Cross-run field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, begin to ration resources, the organization finds itself in the crosshairs of American politics.

The Red Cross is lobbying Congress to maintain its funding levels in the next government spending bill. Roughly 25% of ICRC’s annual budget comes from the United States. But it’s facing an administration and Republican Party increasingly antagonistic toward foreign aid — and navigating a highly-charged geopolitical landscape in Gaza while maintaining neutrality.

Many Republican lawmakers told NOTUS they were in support of the Red Cross continuing to get funding through Congress, but included a caveat. They need to see outcomes: “What the American taxpayer gets out of it,” as Sen. Rick Scott said.