120 Christian leaders urge Trump administration not to withhold $1B in global health funds

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(RNS) — More than 120 Christian leaders, musicians and authors, including both conservative and liberal-leaning evangelicals, have signed a letter urging President Donald Trump’s administration to spend $1.35 billion designated for global health initiatives before the funds potentially expire at the end of the month.

The letter, obtained by Religion News Service,  is an unusual instance of prominent evangelical leaders — including one of the president’s own religious advisers — challenging the administration and urging it to change course.

The letter, which was sent Sept. 18 to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, referenced that the $1.35 billion in funds are currently slated to help cover the cost of a “closeout” of United States Agency for International Development programs.

Signatories want the funds used for their original purpose — global health initiatives — and are concerned the money could be considered expired at the end of the month.

“These global health programs reflect our shared moral commitment to protect…