A former HIV outreach worker in Nepal, Rubi Lama, lost his job due to cuts in U.S. foreign aid. Lama, a biological male who identified as transgender, had worked for nine years providing vital health services. When funding from USAID programs ceased, Lama and many other LGBTQ+ aid workers faced unemployment. Conservative critics argued that an Associated Press report highlighting this situation actually supported the idea of defunding such foreign aid. The AP story detailed how around 100 LGBTQ+ aid workers in Nepal, facing limited job options in a conservative culture, turned to sex work to survive. Lama expressed that crucial resources like free condoms, lubricant, and HIV-prevention medication are now unavailable. This situation prompted a debate about the United States' responsibility for funding foreign aid programs. The organization Lama worked for relied heavily on USAID for its operational budget. President Trump had initiated a review of foreign assistance programs to ensure alignment with American interests and efficiency. Critics of the aid cuts contended that the review caused significant disruptions to essential services. The article suggests that foreign aid models often create dependency without local sustainability plans. American taxpayers face their own economic challenges, and compassion for individuals abroad does not necessitate permanent financial responsibility. The author posits that foreign aid should have clear objectives, measurable outcomes, shared costs, and an exit strategy. Ultimately, the piece argues for accountability over sympathy in foreign aid distribution.