The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on the United Nations (UN) to shift from traditional aid to a 'trade over aid' policy, threatening further budget cuts unless its demands are met. This initiative, aimed at benefiting US firms, has already led to significant layoffs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), impacting thousands of jobs globally and jeopardizing vital programs that provide education and healthcare to millions. Experts from Oxfam America warn that 23 million children could lose access to education and 95 million people may lose basic healthcare due to these funding cuts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the funds owed by the US are 'non-negotiable' amid warnings of an 'imminent financial collapse' of the UN due to unpaid dues. The UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, reports that it requires an additional $61 million to support displaced populations in conflict areas, highlighting the urgent need for funding as humanitarian crises escalate. The shift towards a trade-focused development model raises concerns about the potential for increased inequality, as not all countries may benefit equally from trade initiatives. This historical context reveals a complex relationship between trade and aid, with experts suggesting that without complementary policies, the push for trade could undermine broader development goals.