Real Housewives stars NeNe Leakes, Melissa Gorga and more speak out against US HIV/AIDS funding cuts under Trump
Seven Real Housewives stars went to Capitol Hill in Washington to advocate for PrEP
By Aaron Sugg
The Real Housewives went political this week, speaking out to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS medical cuts in the United States under the Trump administration.
On Wednesday (18 March), on Capitol Hill in Washington, the Housewives from Beverly Hills, Atlanta, New York City and other cities advocated for expanded access to PrEP and HIV treatment.
Those in attendance at the ‘Housewives on the Hill’ event included: Erika Jayne (Beverly Hills), NeNe Leakes and Phaedra Parks (Atlanta), Melissa Gorga (New Jersey), Candiace Dillard Bassett (Potomac), Marysol Patton (Miami), and Luann de Lesseps (New York City).
Around 20 US states have been affected by funding cuts to HIV/AIDS medication
As of 2026, around 20 US states have taken action to tighten or cut funding for HIV/AIDS drug programmes, including ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Programmes). Another 12 states are considering reductions, according to KFF.
Federal funding for HIV programmes has worsened during Donald Trump’s second tenure, beginning in 2025, when cuts of up to 40% were reportedly made to HIV medication programmes.
Speaking to The 19th, Marysol Patton, from The Real Housewives of Miami, said Florida’s cuts have created uncertainty across the state: “When programmes like ADAP are weakened, working-class people can’t access this treatment.”
“We know people who have survived and they’re living very normal lives” – Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks on HIV/AIDS
Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks said: “Originally, when it came out, it was so stigmatised. People were so fearful… We know people that have died from it, but we know people who have survived and they’re living very normal lives.”
NeNe Leakes spoke amicably to PrEP provider MISTR, revealing why the attack on HIV/AIDS funding feels personal to her, admitting her female friends are on PrEP.
She said: “Recently, I had a couple of girlfriends, girlfriends who date guys, say to me that ‘I’m on prep’. They, again, started educating me, and one of my girlfriends was saying, She’s on prep, because she’s single, and she’s dating, and you can never really trust what other people are doing.”
“Many people think that HIV only touch maybe the gay community, but that’s not necessarily true” – Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes on the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS
Leakes added: “Many people think that HIV only touch maybe the gay community, but that’s not necessarily true. I mean, it’s so many straight people that come in contact with HIV. So it’s really important for me to be here. I have a voice.”
Melissa Gorga said: “A lot of us are all from different states, all over the country. So bringing seven women from different states, all over the country, having us speak our minds, talk about our personal experiences that we have with HIV and people that have been affected with HIV. I just think is gonna hit home for people.”
People can support HIV/AIDS funding in the US by advocating for policies such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programme, or by donating to organisations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which held its 34th annual gala this week, raising a phenomenal $10.8 million (£8 million) in crucial funds for HIV/AIDS research.
Get more Attitude
