The United States has effectively suspended nearly all of its foreign assistance programs globally. This decision pauses initiatives that make up about 1% of the federal budget but have a substantial impact on millions worldwide. On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated this directive via a cable to U.S. diplomatic missions, mandating an immediate halt to new commitments and disbursements of foreign aid.
This move follows an executive order from President Donald Trump, issued on Monday, which calls for a 90-day review to assess the alignment and effectiveness of aid programs with his administration's foreign policy. The directive impacts projects in sectors such as health, education, development, security, and anti-corruption, among others. Rubio has decreed that foreign aid funds managed by the State Department and USAID can only be spent with his direct approval or that of his designee.
Military aid to Israel and Egypt is exempt from the freeze. Israel receives approximately $3.3 billion annually, while Egypt gets about $1.5 billion. Additionally, "emergency food assistance" and the payment of salaries for U.S. and local staff involved in these programs are allowed to continue. In 85 days, the State Department must submit a report to Rubio, who will then present his recommendations to President Trump regarding the future of these programs.
The Uncertain Future of Aid to Ukraine
One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of the freeze on aid to Ukraine, a nation that has received substantial support from the U.S. in recent years. Rubio's directive does not specifically mention Ukraine, leaving the future of funds allocated to this country uncertain. Currently, there are about $3.85 billion in military aid authorized by Congress for Ukraine, earmarked for future arms shipments.
However, the spending of these funds is now subject to the review announced by the Trump administration. The freeze raises questions about whether this assistance will continue or be reduced under the new policy. A government official remarked that halting aid to Ukraine would be counterproductive, as programs related to European security and stability are strategically important to the U.S. "Ensuring there are no destabilizing conflicts in Europe is in our interest," the official said.
This uncertainty arises as the Joe Biden administration, before leaving office, increased support to Ukraine amid doubts about whether Trump would continue prioritizing this assistance. For now, the future of arms shipments and other support programs to Ukraine is in the hands of the president and the 90-day review. Within the next 30 days, standards for evaluating aid programs will be established.
According to Abby Maxman, director of Oxfam America, the suspension "could have life-or-death consequences" for vulnerable children and families globally. A humanitarian official described the measure as "as bad as it can get," emphasizing its potential to significantly affect urgent needs such as global health and stability in conflict regions.
The Trump administration justifies the foreign aid freeze, arguing that many of these programs are not "aligned with American interests and, in many cases, are antithetical to American values." Furthermore, it seeks to ensure that allocations are effective, not duplicated, and consistent with the president's foreign policy. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Brian Mast, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has vowed to scrutinize "every dollar and every diplomat" in the State Department's budget to meet stricter efficiency standards.
International Controversies and Criticism
The decision has sparked strong reactions. The United Nations expressed concern about the freeze's impact on development programs. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq stated that while these are bilateral decisions, "we hope that nations capable of generously funding development assistance will do so." In the U.S. Congress, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the measure, calling it "unconstitutional" and suggesting it could face legal challenges.
The Secretary of State, recently confirmed by the Senate, will undertake his first official trip abroad next week. His itinerary includes Central American countries like Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, where he will address issues related to regional cooperation and development.
Impact of U.S. Foreign Aid Suspension
What is the primary reason for the U.S. foreign aid suspension?
The Trump administration argues that many foreign aid programs are not aligned with American interests and seeks to ensure allocations are effective, not duplicated, and consistent with the president's foreign policy.
How does the aid suspension affect Ukraine?
While the directive does not specifically mention Ukraine, it raises questions about the future of nearly $3.85 billion in military aid authorized by Congress, which is now subject to a 90-day review by the Trump administration.
Which countries are exempt from the aid freeze?
Military aid to Israel and Egypt is exempt from the freeze, with Israel receiving about $3.3 billion annually and Egypt around $1.5 billion.