Actress and political activist Angelina Jolie voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s cuts to USAID spending, declaring she felt “very angry” and “very sick” over the decision. Her comments came during a press appearance at the Chopard gala in Cannes on May 16, where she addressed the reductions in billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars previously allocated to global aid initiatives.
Jolie, known for her long-standing involvement in international charitable causes, stated she would be “traveling through the regions” impacted by the spending cuts and promised to speak more on the issue. She stopped short of detailing her plans but made clear her discontent with the Trump administration’s decision to refocus American aid priorities.
Over the years, Jolie has dedicated much of her public platform to foreign causes, including serving as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and later as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These roles were largely supported by American taxpayer funds funneled through USAID and other international aid programs. Her reaction highlights a growing divide between globalist activism and the growing movement in the U.S. to prioritize domestic needs and fiscal accountability.
Jolie’s criticism also comes against the backdrop of her controversial remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shortly after Hamas’s October 7 terror attacks that killed over a thousand Israeli civilians, Jolie condemned Israel’s response, claiming that retaliation did not justify further military action. These comments sparked backlash, especially from supporters of Israel and conservative Americans concerned about celebrity influence in foreign policy matters.
Beyond foreign aid, Jolie has lobbied for domestic legislation that aligns with progressive causes. In 2021, she promoted the Violence Against Women Act, which included anti-gun provisions and language promoting transgender ideology. Her pattern of advocacy reflects a consistent push for policies that often clash with traditional conservative values.
While Jolie’s compassion for overseas populations remains front and center, her silence on issues affecting American families, taxpayers, and communities raises questions about where her priorities truly lie. As the Trump administration continues efforts to rein in international spending and refocus government resources at home, criticism from Hollywood elites like Jolie underscores the broader cultural and political divide shaping today’s national debate.
