Trump administration freezes foreign aid, makes exceptions for Israel and Egypt
Freeze includes a halt on emergency food and military funding for other nations while continuing support for two long-time allies
PTC Web Desk: In a major policy shift, the newly inaugurated Donald Trump administration has reportedly ordered a freeze on all foreign aid, with exceptions only for Israel and Egypt. According to an AFP report, the freeze includes a halt on emergency food and military funding for other nations while continuing support for the two long-time allies.
An internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, cited in the report, states that no new funds are to be allocated or existing awards extended until each proposal undergoes thorough review and approval. This move aligns with President Trump's "America First" commitment to tightening oversight of international assistance.
The directive is expected to impact various forms of aid, from development programmes to military assistance, including significant support previously provided to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden to counter the Russian invasion.
The freeze also temporarily halts US contributions to PEPFAR, the global initiative launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush to combat HIV/AIDS, particularly in Africa. The programme, credited with saving approximately 26 million lives, has historically received bipartisan backing in Washington.
Exceptions outlined in the memo include military aid to Israel, whose arms packages from the US have expanded following the recent Gaza conflict, and Egypt, which has received substantial defense funding since its 1979 peace treaty with Israel. Emergency food aid to crisis-hit regions like Sudan and Syria is also exempted, with additional case-by-case exceptions and provisions for funding administrative salaries.
The memo further calls for a comprehensive review of all foreign aid commitments within 85 days to ensure that current programmes are effective, not duplicated, and consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy objectives.
Despite European nations contributing more to foreign aid relative to their economies, the United States remains the largest donor in absolute terms, having provided over $64 billion in international assistance in 2023, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The review is likely to shape the future of US foreign assistance programmes under the Trump administration’s redefined priorities.