A new poll shows broad American support for the U.S.-funded global HIV/AIDS program PEPFAR, even among Republican and Trump-aligned voters — a finding that could complicate efforts to scale back the initiative.
The survey, conducted by GOP-linked firm McLaughlin and Associates on behalf of consulting firm the Maiden Group, found that roughly three in four likely midterm voters back continued U.S. funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Support held strong across party lines, with more than two-thirds of Trump voters expressing approval of the program.
First established under President George W. Bush in 2003, PEPFAR has been credited with saving tens of millions of lives over the past two decades. Voters showed particular support for the program’s work protecting children orphaned by AIDS and shielding teenage girls from trafficking and sexual abuse. A large majority said they would be more inclined to back a congressional candidate who supports full PEPFAR funding, while more than half said cuts to the program would make them less likely to support a candidate.
The poll comes as the Trump administration pushes to restructure how the program is financed, encouraging recipient countries to take on a greater share of costs. HIV advocacy groups have raised concerns that this shift could effectively gut the program. The administration’s proposed 2027 budget notably omitted a dedicated funding figure for PEPFAR — a break from longstanding practice.
Despite this, House appropriators appear intent on preserving current funding levels. A committee report released Monday proposed roughly $5.5 billion for the program, and lawmakers were set to advance the related spending bill this week.
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