Protestors Storm Hearing, Halt Russell Vought Testimony Over PEPFAR Cuts | “Saves Lives, Spend Now!”

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Washington as protestors interrupted Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought during his testimony before the House Budget Committee, chanting “PEPFAR saves lives, spend the money!” The disruption highlights growing outrage over alleged cuts and withheld funding to the global HIV/AIDS program PEPFAR, which has saved millions of lives worldwide. Activists accuse the Trump administration and budget officials of blocking critical funding, wa ing that the cuts could lead to devastating consequences for global health. The protest underscores intensifying political tensions over foreign aid, public health priorities, and the future of life-saving HIV programs.