What's happened
The US response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar has faced criticism for its delay and scale. A three-member USAID team is set to arrive five days post-disaster, while larger international teams have already mobilized. The US has pledged $2 million in aid, but former officials argue this is insufficient compared to past responses.
What's behind the headline?
Key Issues in US Response
- Delayed Action: The USAID team is arriving five days after the earthquake, missing critical rescue opportunities.
- Budget Cuts: The Trump administration's cuts to USAID have severely limited the US's ability to respond effectively, contrasting sharply with previous disaster responses.
- International Comparison: Countries like China and Russia have mobilized larger teams and provided substantial aid, raising questions about US commitment to humanitarian efforts.
- Political Implications: The US's reduced presence in international aid may affect its global standing and influence, especially as other nations step in to fill the void.
Future Outlook
- The US must reassess its foreign aid strategy to remain relevant in global humanitarian efforts. The upcoming monsoon season could exacerbate the situation in Myanmar, necessitating a more robust response from the US and the international community.
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, the USAID team's deployment was delayed due to visa issues with Myanmar's military rulers, highlighting bureaucratic challenges in disaster response. The New York Times noted that the US has sent no aid initially, contrasting with its past contributions, which raises concerns about its current foreign aid policy. The Independent reported that former USAID officials criticized the administration's response as inadequate, stating, 'It just makes the US look... kind of weak and irrelevant.' This sentiment underscores the growing perception that the US is falling behind in international humanitarian efforts, especially as countries like China and Russia have already mobilized significant resources.
How we got here
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 29, 2025, killing at least 2,800 people. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has faced significant budget cuts and staff layoffs under the Trump administration, impacting its disaster response capabilities.
Go deeper
- What specific aid has the US provided?
- How does this response compare to past disasters?
- What are the implications for US foreign policy?
Common question
-
Why is the US response to the Myanmar earthquake being criticized?
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has raised significant concerns regarding the US response. With a delayed aid deployment and criticisms of insufficient funding, many are questioning the effectiveness of US foreign aid policies in times of crisis. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this situation and what it means for international disaster response.
More on these topics
-
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has a population...
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.