Nearly four decades after being born with a malformed spine and misshapen limbs, likely due to her father’s exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diem finally received assistance from the United States. A U.S.A.I.D. funded project provided her with graphic design training in 2022, leading to a job opportunity. Despite the closure of the company she worked for, she remained hopeful as the program for Agent Orange victims promised support in the form of a new computer or a small loan.
However, the news that President Trump had frozen U.S.A.I.D. funding and planned to dismiss many associated with the humanitarian agency dashed her hopes. Ms. Diem, a victim of Agent Orange, expressed her frustration at the lack of support from the United States, the country responsible for the chemical’s use in Vietnam.
As the Trump administration and Elon Musk dismantled U.S.A.I.D., the effects were felt acutely in Vietnam. The suspension of aid for Agent Orange victims and the halt of efforts to address war legacy issues like finding missing war dead have strained the partnership between the two countries, which was crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
Former enemies had worked together on projects like cleaning up contaminated sites, such as Da Nang Airport and Bien Hoa air base, but the funding freeze jeopardized these efforts. The halt in aid programs was not only a setback for victims in Vietnam but also a blow to the progress made in reconciling with the past.
The suspension of aid and the freeze in funding have caused significant damage to the partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam, leaving wounds that may take a long time to heal. The work stoppage and uncertainty surrounding future projects have left many in Vietnam anxious about the impact on their communities and health.