The aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has seen an international outcry for help, yet the United States—once a leader in foreign aid—has been notably absent. While countries like China, Russia, and India have already dispatched emergency teams and supplies, the U.S. response has been delayed, with President Trump’s recent cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) putting a damper on relief efforts.
The quake, that struck on Friday, has claimed more than 1,700 lives, with that number expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. Despite promises from the U.S. government that aid would soon arrive, knowledgeable sources reveal that a three-person U.S.A.I.D. assessment team won't be on the ground until Wednesday, lagging behind international efforts.
China, meanwhile, has stepped up to the plate by sending over 126 rescue workers and aid supplies valued at $14 million, including specialized dogs and medical kits. “Being charitable serves American foreign policy,” noted Michael Schiffer, a former U.S.A.I.D. official, emphasizing the missed opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate leadership in humanitarian response. As countries rally to assist Myanmar, the world watches to see how America will respond—or if it has already fallen behind.
