President Donald Trump has suspended all United States’ ongoing aid programmes benefiting Somalia’s federal government.
In a statement dated Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the U.S government accused the Somali federal government of destroying a US-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and illegally seizing 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid intended for vulnerable Somalis.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports that Federal Government of Somalia officials have destroyed a US-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and illegally seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid for vulnerable Somalis,” read a statement.
The U.S government maintained that it has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.
Trump Administration Targets Somali-linked Programs
The U.S. contributed more than $2 billion to the WFP last year, the world’s leading humanitarian organization, providing emergency food aid to millions of people affected by crises such as hunger, conflict, and natural disasters.
In October 2025, the WFP warned of a worsening hunger- a crisis partially fueled by funding cuts that have led to fewer Somalis receiving aid and higher levels of malnutrition.
The US government stated that the suspended assistance programmes would not be restored unless the Somali government takes steps to ensure accountability.
“Any resumption of assistance will depend on the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps,” read part of the statement.
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Somali government officials have not yet responded to the allegations of aid theft.
Minnesota Fraud Allegations and Policy Actions
The suspension comes amid Trump administration’s increased criticism of Somali refugees and migrants in the United States, including over the widely-publicized fraud allegations involving childcare centers in Minnesota.
Previously, the Donald Trump administration froze federal funding for childcare programs in Minnesota following allegations of daycare fraud.
Several actions were taken, including activating Americans defend the spending system for all ACF payments, and launching a dedicated fraud-reporting hotline and email address.
In recent months, President Trump has leaned into criticism of Somalis living in the United States and placed restrictions on Somalis seeking to enter the US.
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His administration also stepped-up air strikes targeting armed groups in Somalia.
It has slapped significant restrictions on Somalis wanting to come to the U.S. and made it difficult for those already in the United States to stay.
Although Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, had provided about $770m in assistance for projects in Somalia, only a small portion went to the Somali government.
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