Music icon Elton John has spoken out against the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts. The Elton John AIDS Foundation, established by the British musician in 1992, said it was “gravely concerned” by President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate over 90% of USAID contracts, resulting in the pause of PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. “This abrupt action could have devastating effects on the HIV response and put years of progress in jeopardy,” the organization said in a statement. “Millions of people are alive today thanks to the generosity of the American people and because of effective programs like PEPFAR. Today they are unsure of when, or even if they will get the medicine they need to stay alive.” PEPFAR has saved about 26 million lives and prevented millions of infections since the program was created by President George W. Bush in 2003, according to the State Department. John, 77, said his foundation was working with partners to ensure continued access to HIV services. “With much uncertainty surrounding the aid cuts at home and abroad, we urge the U.S. Government to continue the lifesaving work of bipartisan programs like PEPFAR,” he said.
