Why Did the Trump Administration Burn Food for 27,000 Starving Children? U.S. Senator Demands Answers

A dramatic moment unfolded in a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing when Democratic Senator Tim Kaine launched a sharp critique of the Trump administration’s decision to burn 500 metric tons of food intended for starving children.

The food, stored by USAID in Dubai and set to expire in July, was reportedly destroyed in March—despite early warnings and no serious attempt to distribute it to those in need.

Senator Kaine directly addressed Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, Michael Rigas, asking why the food wasn’t delivered to its intended recipients. He emphasized that the aid package could have fed over 27,000 malnourished children for an entire month and was funded by American taxpayers.

Rigas failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, stating only that he would look into the matter later. Senator Kaine, visibly frustrated, called this response unacceptable and reminded Rigas that the same question had been raised the previous day—highlighting the administration’s irresponsibility.