Music
18 Apr 25

Elton John and Brandi Carlile launch HIV/AIDS fundraiser amidst Trump administration cuts

Brandi Carlile and Elton John - Credit: Peggy Sirota

Following sweeping cuts to USAID by the Trump administration, Elton John and Brandi Carlile launch the Who Believes In Angels? campaign to raise emergency funds for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation and Brandi Carlile's Looking Out Foundation have teamed up in an effort to offset cuts to HIV/AIDS funding by the Trump administration.

Named after their recent collaborative album, the Who Believes In Angels? campaign aims to raise money for the Rocket Response Fund, which will help to maintain HIV clinics, support preventative measures, restore access to medication and other essential services.

"Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent," Elton John said.

"Our mission is more important than ever - we refuse to leave anyone behind - and I'm so fortunate that Brandi is not only a wonderful collaborator and artist, but a dear friend who shares my vision of a world where HIV care is prioritised and protected."

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The campaign was launched in response to significant cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Trump administration. The World Health Organisation warned in March that these cuts could "undo 20 years of progress" in the fight against AIDS and potentially lead to 10 million additional HIV cases.

"It was a lifelong dream come true for me to come together with my hero and friend Elton John to make our album Who Believes In Angels?, and now, we're excited to announce that our foundations are also partnering to make our music mean even more," Carlile said.

"Elton's activism and work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation was what led me to Elton before I even heard a note of his music," she continued. "It's an incredible honour to launch this partnership and raise funds for the life-saving work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Rocket Response Fund at a time when support is needed the most."

The Looking Out Foundation has pledged to match donations up to $100,000 (€88,000). Donations can be made here.