Statement From Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, on Change to U.S. Aid Approach

For decades, American global leadership has been built on a foundational, bipartisan belief that helping those who need it most is also an investment in our own security and prosperity. A shift away from development assistance to focus solely on trade raises serious concerns about the implications for the world’s most vulnerable people and for long‑term U.S. interests.

Pitting America’s business interests against assistance for people in low‑income and emerging economies is a false choice. History has shown that today’s aid recipients are often tomorrow’s customers for American goods, supporters in international initiatives, and allies on the frontlines of conflict. That’s one reason why decisive majorities of American citizens support global cooperation to fight poverty, inequality, hunger, and disease around the world.

At The Rockefeller Foundation, we are ready to work with anyone who shares our conviction that helping the world’s least well‑off is critical in the path to shared prosperity and security for the United States and the rest of the world.