When President Trump reshaped U.S. aid in January 2025, he publicly denounced large contractors as “beltway bandits.” Instead of cutting spending, the new policy funneled more money into a handful of U.S. firms. A 2026 analysis shows that the largest nongovernmental organizations received dramatic inflows, while local providers vanished today.

Chemonics topped the list, taking an extra $173 million—a 16 percent jump—bringing its annual revenue to roughly $1.6 billion. Global Solutions Ventures saw a 727 percent rise, adding $82 million. FHI360’s funding doubled, climbing $444 million higher than 2024, while Jhpiego rose 133 percent by $194 million overall impact on the aid flows for the global south in 2025.

The spike left 91 percent of 2025 aid funneled to just 25 recipients, up from 67 percent under Biden. Courts and Congress forced the administration to keep programs running, but the only viable channels were the contractors. Smaller NGOs were shut out, creating gaps in HIV, malaria and maternal care for patients.

These outcomes highlight a shift toward concentrated funding that favors large U.S. entities, raising concerns about cost efficiency and program continuity in recipient countries. As bilateral agreements roll out, the government plans to move more money directly to local governments, but the current structure shows how quickly aid can be redirected to a few firms with deep pockets.