
Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders a freeze on U.S. foreign aid, aligning with President Trump’s “America First” policy.
That means no more aid to countries that don’t need it – and no more aid for foreign infrastructure, space, and technology projects!
At a Glance
- The U.S. State Department has suspended new funding for most foreign assistance programs
- The freeze affects billions of dollars in global projects, including health, education, and security assistance
- Emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt are exempt from the freeze
- A comprehensive review of all foreign assistance is expected within 85 days
- The move aims to ensure aid programs align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy
Trump Administration Halts Foreign Aid
In a major shift towards an “America First” agenda Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered a freeze on new funding for most U.S. foreign assistance programs. This decision, made in line with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, affects billions of dollars in U.S.-funded global projects, including health, education, development, job training, anti-corruption, and security assistance initiatives.
The freeze encompasses a substantial portion of the approximately $60 billion budgeted for foreign aid in 2023, which represents about 1% of the total U.S. budget. However, certain programs remain exempt from this suspension, including emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt. Notably, U.S. military assistance to Ukraine is not included in the exemptions, reflecting a potential shift in priorities under the Trump administration.
The suspension of funding has already begun to impact aid organizations, with many receiving stop-work orders and potentially ceasing operations to avoid incurring costs. This abrupt halt in funding has raised concerns among humanitarian officials about the potential life-threatening consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide.
The freeze affects even successful programs like the President’s Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
In the wake of the announcement, Secretary Rubio has emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of all foreign assistance to ensure its alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The State Department has cited a lack of centralized information as a key reason for the freeze, stating that it is currently impossible to determine whether foreign assistance programs are effective and consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy.
“it is currently impossible to access sufficient information in one place to determine whether the foreign assistance policies and interests supported by appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
What do you think these reviews are going to find?