Trump’s Bold Move: U.S. Freezes Foreign Aid, Except For Israel and Egypt
In a significant policy shift, the United States has announced a comprehensive freeze on foreign aid, with notable exceptions for military assistance to Israel and Egypt. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to reassess foreign assistance programs to ensure they reflect his administration’s priorities.
An internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as reported by the Associated Press, mandates an immediate halt on new funding obligations for foreign assistance. The memo specifies that no new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved as consistent with President Trump’s agenda. This suspension is expected to last at least 90 days, during which a thorough review will be conducted.
The freeze encompasses a wide range of aid programs, including those targeting health, education, and development initiatives. Notably, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS globally, is among those affected. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the potential impact of this suspension on vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries.
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While military aid to Israel and Egypt will continue uninterrupted, the directive’s implications for other nations, such as Ukraine, remain uncertain. Ukraine has been a significant recipient of U.S. military assistance, especially in light of ongoing regional tensions. The halt in aid could affect Ukraine’s defense capabilities and its strategic position in Eastern Europe.
The administration has clarified that emergency food assistance will not be affected by this freeze. This exception ensures that the U.S. can continue to respond to immediate humanitarian crises, providing essential support to regions experiencing acute food shortages.
This move marks a departure from the longstanding bipartisan consensus in the U.S. regarding foreign assistance. Critics argue that the suspension could undermine global health initiatives, destabilize regions reliant on U.S. support, and diminish America’s influence abroad. Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, emphasized that humanitarian and development assistance accounts for only around one percent of the federal budget; it saves lives, fights diseases, educates millions of children, and reduces poverty.
The decision to halt foreign aid reflects the administration’s “America First” policy, prioritizing national interests and reevaluating international commitments. As the review progresses, the global community will closely monitor the outcomes and their potential implications for international aid and diplomacy.
