A coalition of more than 120 Christian leaders, musicians, and authors spanning conservative and liberal evangelical traditions has signed a letter requesting that the Trump administration spend $1.35 billion in designated global health funding before the funds potentially expire at the end of the month.
The letter, sent to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, was organized by the 2030 Collaborative, a consulting group working with advocacy organizations. Signatories include prominent evangelical figures such as Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, a member of Trump’s evangelical advisory group; Rick Warren, co-founder of Saddleback Church; and Amy Grant, a contemporary Christian musician. The letter also bears the names of Black pastors, mainline Protestant leaders, Catholic representatives, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, demonstrating cross-denominational support.
The funds in question are currently slated to cover closeout costs for U.S. Agency for International Development programs. The signatories seek to redirect approximately $320 million for maternal and child health, $250 million for malaria prevention, and $135 million for nutrition programs toward their original intended purposes. The letter references Biblical teachings, particularly Matthew 25, stating that the programs reflect a religious imperative to serve vulnerable populations.
The communication maintains a conciliatory tone, with signatories expressing appreciation for the administration’s work while emphasizing the moral dimensions of the funding decision. According to the 2030 Collaborative’s head, the White House has not yet responded. However, 42 faith leaders from the signing group are scheduled to meet with White House officials at a global health listening session hosted by the White House Faith Office. Some members of Congress, including Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Brian Schatz, have also raised concerns about the status of these funds.
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