Trump Expands Mexico City Aid Ban to Gender Identity and DEI Programs Worldwide

The Trump administration is issuing new State Department rules that dramatically expand the so‑called Mexico City policy, blocking U.S. foreign assistance not only to groups that provide or promote abortion as family planning but also to organizations and agencies that support 'gender ideology' and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. An administration official said Thursday the regulations, to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, will apply to more than $30 billion in U.S. foreign aid and reach both foreign and U.S.-based NGOs as well as international organizations. The move is being rolled out during the week of the Roe v. Wade anniversary and timed to the annual March for Life in Washington, where Vice President JD Vance is slated to speak, and is part of a broader package that includes NIH halting funding for research using human fetal tissue and an SBA review of Planned Parenthood’s COVID‑era loans. Abortion-rights, LGBTQ+ and human-rights advocates warn the expanded 'global gag rule' will force humanitarian and health organizations worldwide to choose between U.S. funding and offering or even advocating for reproductive and gender-affirming care, while anti‑abortion groups such as SBA Pro‑Life America are praising the changes as 'fantastic news.' Policy experts note that because the Trump administration has already slashed hundreds of millions in aid and gutted USAID, the true reach of the new rules will depend on how they are written and enforced, but early estimates suggest they could affect 'many more billions' than any prior iteration of the policy.