Trump Administration Implements Sweeping Freeze on U.S. Foreign Aid

The 90-day pause, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, excludes only emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt.

The State Department has issued a stop-work order on nearly all U.S. foreign aid programs, halting new funding and existing disbursements for 90 days pending a comprehensive review.
Exceptions to the freeze include military assistance to Israel and Egypt, as well as emergency food aid, while other critical programs like PEPFAR and refugee resettlement face disruptions.
The review aims to ensure all foreign aid aligns with President Trump's 'America First' policy and avoids duplication, with recommendations expected within 85 days.
Critics, including humanitarian organizations, warn that the freeze could have catastrophic consequences for global health, education, and development initiatives, particularly in vulnerable regions.
The freeze has raised concerns about the future of U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine, as no explicit waivers were granted for its ongoing conflict with Russia.