US ends $500M in global child labor and trafficking programs

The Trump administration has terminated 69 international programs aimed at combating child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, cutting more than $500 million in grants across 40 countries, the Guardian reported. The move affects initiatives in Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa that supported labor enforcement and worker protections.

John Clark, a Trump-appointed official, justified the cuts by citing a “lack of alignment with agency priorities and national interest.” A Department of Labor spokesperson said the administration is prioritizing investments in the U.S. workforce. The decision impacts efforts such as a $13 million grant in Honduras that helped 6,000 children enter education and trained 500 labor inspectors.

Critics warn the cuts could undermine global progress, as an estimated 160 million children remain in child labor. The move aligns with broader reductions in international aid, including recent funding cuts announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.