Trump’s ‘America First’ freeze halts funding for India's first transgender clinics

India’s first three transgender healthcare clinics, known as Mitr Clinics, have been forced to shut down after the Trump administration froze funds allocated by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The decision, part of a broader 90-day review to align US foreign aid with Trump's "America First" policy, has left nearly 5,000 transgender individuals without crucial medical and legal support.

The Mitr Clinics, located in Hyderabad, Pune, and Kalyan, provided essential services such as hormone therapy guidance, mental health counseling, HIV and STD care, and legal assistance. The facilities were primarily run by transgender healthcare professionals, making them a rare and inclusive medical space. With annual operational costs of up to ₹30 lakh per clinic, organizers are now scrambling to find alternative funding sources.

Reacting to the development, Elon Musk, who co-chairs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), justified the decision, saying, “That’s what American tax dollars were funding.” His statement has sparked outrage among activists and healthcare workers, who view the move as a significant setback for transgender rights and healthcare access in India.

A small relief came as USAID granted a waiver to allow life-saving services, including antiretroviral medication for HIV-positive patients, to continue. However, with around 10% of the clinics’ patients living with HIV, organizers fear that any long-term funding gaps could lead to severe health risks. “We did some really good work at Mitr Clinics. I am proud of what we achieved there,” said one doctor associated with the program.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding USAID’s involvement in India has deepened. Last month, Trump and Musk-led DOGE canceled a $21 million fund meant for "voter turnout" efforts in India, alleging political interference and a potential “kickback scheme.” The Indian government, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has expressed concern over these developments and is currently investigating the claims.

As Mitr Clinics look for new financial backing, healthcare professionals and activists are urging both public and private entities in India to step in and support the initiative. The shutdown has highlighted the vulnerability of crucial social welfare projects that rely on foreign aid, raising questions about long-term sustainability and the need for domestic funding solutions.