The change in U.S. presidency has had ripple effects not only across the world but also in Myanmar. The situation has become particularly concerning for those who have been forced to relocate due to Myanmar’s civil war and those who have fled abroad due to the oppression by the military junta. In addition, observers have pointed out that there are varying degrees of impact on Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, including education, healthcare, refugee assistance and media operations.

Approximately 10,000 refugees from various countries, including Myanmar, have had their flights cancelled due to President Donald Trump’s suspension of the refugee program on 20 January, the day he took office.

President Donald Trump cancelled US$4 million in funding for refugee resettlement and rehabilitation programs, affecting people from Myanmar and other countries. Due to this cancellation, the New Haven-based Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), which is working on resettling those who have legally arrived in the US, is now searching for emergency donors. IRIS reports they are working to continue supporting approximately 200 refugees who have already arrived from Myanmar, Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Syria, and Sudan. 1

Furthermore, due to the new Trump administration’s suspension of international development funding programs, several civil society organizations and NGOs based along the Thai-Myanmar border that were receiving assistance from USAID and the U.S. government for education, healthcare, and refugee support have had to suspend some of their aid operations. 2

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) abruptly suspended services in three sectors, including healthcare, at refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, including Mae La, Umpiem, and Nu Po camps. Reports circulated that hospitalized patients were discharged, and those with clinic appointments were turned away, creating significant hardships for camp residents. 3

Myanmar news media outlets are among those dependent on U.S. government support. According to the Thailand-based Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), the suspension of USAID programs could have significant impacts, particularly on Myanmar media organizations operating from abroad that heavily rely on U.S. government assistance. 4

1 New donors being sought after $4 million refugee resettlement fund cancelled for refugees in US, KIC, 28 Jan. 2025
2 Trump administration’s fund suspension impacts humanitarian aid, KIC, 28 Jan. 2025
3 US’s aid suspension affects Myanmar refugees, RFA, 29 Jan. 2025
4 US foreign aid program suspension could severely impact Myanmar, RFA, 25 Jan. 2025