Rarrr

⭕️ Trump Admin Weighed April 30 Deadline for Zambia: Accept Mining Deal or Risk Losing HIV Medications The Trump administration weighed linking U.S. health aid to expanded access for American firms to Zambia’s copper, lithium, and cobalt reserves, the New York Times reported in March, citing a leaked State Department memo. About 1.3 million Zambians rely on HIV treatment funded through PEPFAR. A reduced system is already operating, and support could be cut in one day. The memo, prepared for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, states: “We will only secure our priorities by demonstrating willingness to publicly take support away from Zambia on a massive scale.” The draft proposal outlined $1 billion in health funding over five years, less than half prior levels, in exchange for three conditions: $340 million in new domestic health spending, preferential access for U.S. mining companies, and restructuring a $458 million Millennium Challenge Corporation grant toward mining regulatory reforms. It remains unclear if the terms were formally presented to Zambia or if any deadline was officially conveyed. The memo reflects a negotiating position. There is no confirmed reporting on whether Zambia accepted or rejected the proposal.