As President Donald Trump uses his executive authority to smash and slash programs that do not conform to his America First ideals, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was yet another foreign aid program put on the chopping block for a 90-day period.
Just several weeks ago, Trump had a highly anticipated meeting with tech giant Bill Gates. In a “wide-ranging” conversation, they discussed global public health.
Trump seemed especially eager to fast-track an HIV vaccine and was reportedly “excited” about the concept–much like what was done with the COVID-19 vaccine during his first term. Trump also expressed interest in eradicating polio.