The Atlantic: Mike Pence Promises to Defend Christians in the Middle East
“…On Wednesday, [Vice President Mike Pence spoke] at the In Defense of Christians conference, where he announced that he will be visiting persecuted minorities in the Middle East in December. He also said the Trump administration will redirect aid money formerly granted to the United Nations to the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, satisfying a long-standing conservative policy priority. As the Trump administration moves to slash the State Department’s aid budget, this announcement suggests it will continue to prioritize religious issues in its foreign-policy agenda — at least rhetorically…” (Green, 10/26).

CNN: Pence says U.S. will bypass U.N. in aiding persecuted communities
“Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday night that the Trump administration will no longer fund ‘ineffective’ programs run by the United Nations to help persecuted communities and will instead send money to such groups directly through the U.S. Agency for International Development…” (Landers, 10/26).

The Hill: Pence says US to stop funding ‘ineffective’ U.N. relief efforts
“… ‘The United States will work hand in hand from this day forward with faith-based groups and private orgs to help those who are persecuted for their faith. This is the moment, now is the time, and America will support these people in their hour of need.’ He did not specify what U.N. programs or initiatives the U.S. will no longer fund…” (Greenwood, 10/25).