Trump hosts West African leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissa amid sweeping US aid cuts
Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. President Donald Trump is welcoming five West African leaders to the White House on Wednesday for a “multilateral lunch” as the area deals with the effects of significant U.S. aid reductions.

The unexpected gathering with leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau happens as the Trump administration implements drastic measures aimed at altering the U.S. ties with Africa.

A statement from Liberia’s presidency indicates that the leaders will discuss crucial subjects of cooperation, such as economic development, security, infrastructure, and democracy.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

The White House said “this discussion and lunch dialogue with African heads of state was arranged because President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners.”

Earlier this month, U.S. authorities dissolved theU.S. Agency for International Development and said it was no longer following what they called “a charity-based foreign aid model” and instead will focus on partnerships with nations that show “both the ability and willingness to help themselves.”

The U.S. African Affairs senior bureau official Troy Fitrell earlier this year said the Trump administration wants to focus on eliminating trade deficits with Africa.

“Assistance involves a donor and a recipient, but commerce is an exchange between equals,” he said.

Critics say the abrupt shift will result in millions of deaths.

A study published in the Lancet medical journal late last month projected that USAID’s dismantling and deep funding cuts would lead to more than 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030, including 4.5 million children.

West African countries are among the hardest hit by the dissolution of USAID. The U.S. support in Liberia amounted to 2.6% of the country’s gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development.

The five nations whose leaders are meeting Trump represent a small fraction of U.S.-Africa trade, but they possess untapped natural resources. Senegal and Mauritania are important transit and origin countries when it comes to migration, and along with Guinea-Bissau are struggling to contain drug trafficking, both issues of concern for the Trump administration.

Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in a statement “expressed optimism about the outcomes of the summit, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to regional stability, democratic governance and inclusive economic growth.”

Gabon, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal are among 36 countries which might be included in the possible expansion of Trump’s travel ban.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
New details about Jason Land, charged in McHenry crash that killed Perla Tejeda and boy at Richmond and McCullom Lake, revealed

Latest Developments in the Jason Land Case: New Insights into the McHenry Crash That Claimed the Lives of Perla Tejeda and a Young Boy

An 18-year-old man is facing charges in McHenry County after being accused…
Tsunami alerts issued for US West Coast, Hawaii after 8.8 magnitude earthquake strikes near Russia

Alert: Major 8.8 Earthquake Near Russia Triggers Tsunami Warnings for US West Coast and Hawaii

An enormous 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit off Russia’s coast on Tuesday, leading to…
Monkeys 'running a scam' at sacred temple, frustrated tourists say after phone thefts

Tourists Report Phone Thefts by ‘Scheming’ Monkeys at Sacred Temple

Monkeys have been stealing tourists’ valuables — including their phones and wallets…
Law enforcement officers at a crime scene.

Disturbing History of Walmart Attacker, 42, Accused of Body Mutilation Before Stabbing Spree Involving 11 Victims

THE dark past of the alleged Walmart stabber has come to light,…
Ryne Sandberg death: Chicago Cubs fans pay tribute to Hall of Fame second baseman outside Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs Fans Pay Tribute to Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg at Wrigley Field After His Passing

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg is being remembered for his…
Cincinnati business owners slam viral 'out of control' beating amid fight to clean up downtown

Cincinnati Entrepreneurs Condemn Viral ‘Chaotic’ Assault as Efforts to Revitalize Downtown Continue

CINCINNATI – Business owners near the site of a viral weekend beatdown…
US accuses Venezuelan regime of narco-terrorism over alliances with Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa Cartel

US Charges Venezuelan Government with Drug-Related Terrorism Ties to Aragua Train and Sinaloa Cartel

The U.S. government has designated the Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuela-based…
Manhattan high-rise shooting victims: NYPD officer, Blackstone executive and security guard among those killed

Victims of Manhattan High-Rise Shooting: NYPD Officer, Blackstone Executive, and Security Guard Among Those Killed

Four people were killed when a gunman stormed into a New York…
Tsunami waves arrive on Japan's coast after earthquake in Russia, triggering tsunami alerts for US West Coast

Tsunami Waves Hit Japan Following Russian Earthquake; US West Coast on Alert

Tsunami waves arrived on the eastern coast of Japan following a powerful…
Dangerous trail leaves hikers stranded overnight on Maine's highest mountain

Perilous Path Causes Hikers to Spend Night Stuck on Maine’s Tallest Peak

Four hikers were rescued on Friday in Maine on Maine’s tallest mountain,…
Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife felt trapped in his marriage, prosecutor says

Prosecutor claims Colorado dentist alleged of wife’s poisoning felt stuck in marriage

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — Prosecutors allege that a Colorado dentist, accused of…
NYC shooting timeline shows gunman moved with speed in cross-country drive that ended with office bloodshed

Timeline of NYC Shooting Reveals Gunman’s Quick Cross-Country Drive Leading to Office Tragedy

Four individuals have lost their lives after a man launched an attack…