The United States has announced a freeze on nearly all foreign aid, sparing only emergency food assistance and military funding to Israel and Egypt, marking a major shift under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a memo emphasizing an “America First” approach, halting new aid commitments and extensions until a thorough review aligns them with Trump’s foreign policy objectives. Rubio stated, “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.”
The decision impacts several key programs, including military aid to Ukraine, which had relied heavily on US weapons under former President Joe Biden to counter Russian aggression. It also pauses funding for PEPFAR, the anti-HIV/AIDS initiative credited with saving 26 million lives since its 2003 launch under President George W. Bush.
PEPFAR, which provides life-saving anti-retroviral drugs primarily in Africa, and US-funded anti-malaria programs benefiting 63 million people, are among those at risk. Critics warn that the freeze could jeopardize millions of lives and undermine America’s global credibility.
Democratic lawmakers voiced alarm over the directive. Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel warned, “Now our credibility is on the line, and it appears we will cut and run from American commitments to our partners around the world.”
The memo allows the State Department to grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis and temporarily fund administrative costs. An internal review of all foreign aid commitments is to be completed within 85 days.
Rubio defended the decision, saying it was necessary to evaluate whether existing commitments align with Trump’s policies. However, concerns are growing over the broader implications for global health and development.
Despite the freeze, the US remains the world’s largest donor, contributing over $64 billion in overseas aid in 2023, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
