Most U.S. Aid Programs Worldwide Halted Following Trump’s Directive | US News
The United States State Department has implemented a suspension on new funding for nearly all American foreign development assistance following an executive order from Donald Trump.
Shortly after his inauguration on Monday, the US president mandated a 90-day pause on American-funded global projects. This is intended to review their effectiveness and to ensure alignment with his foreign policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s directive does not include funding for emergency food programs and military support for Israel and Egypt. However, it remains uncertain how this will influence the vital flow of US military assistance to Ukraine as it confronts Russia’s invasion.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pic: Reuters
Under Joe Biden’s administration, military aid to Ukraine was increased before he left office due to uncertainties regarding Mr Trump’s commitment to fund Kyiv.
About $3.85 billion (£3 billion) in funding for upcoming arms shipments to Ukraine—authorized by the US Congress—remains available, but it remains unclear whether Mr Trump will utilize it.
The US leads the world in foreign aid, budgeting approximately $60 billion (£48 billion), which accounts for 1% of the US budget, for 2023.
The exemption for emergency food programs comes as humanitarian aid floods into the Gaza Strip following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and amidst famine in war-affected Sudan.
Nonetheless, the order has faced criticism from humanitarian leaders for failing to exclude life-saving health initiatives such as clinics and vaccination programs.
Abby Maxman, head of Oxfam America, cautioned that halting funding “could have life or death implications” for families and children globally.
“By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration jeopardizes the lives and futures of communities in crisis, undermining the United States’ long-standing bipartisan approach to foreign assistance that prioritizes need over politics,” she stated.
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Mr Rubio’s order, communicated via a cable to US embassies globally, indicated that the pause was needed to ensure “appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy”.
Standards for reviewing all foreign assistance are anticipated to be established within the upcoming month to ensure alignment with President Trump’s policy agenda,” the global cable disclosed.
The comprehensive government review is expected to conclude within three months, generating a report for Mr Rubio to present recommendations to Mr Trump.
The outcomes could considerably affect the distribution of US foreign assistance and its global implications.
