The US has implemented a significant freeze on foreign aid following President Trump’s executive order issued earlier this week. According to an internal memo leaked from the US State Department, the move halts nearly all international assistance, both existing and new.
The order, which mandates a 90-day review of foreign development assistance, is part of Trump’s initiative to reassess aid effectiveness and align it with his administration’s foreign policy. Under the freeze, new funds, including new awards or extensions, will now be obligated for assistance. The memo directs US officials to issue stop-work orders on active contracts while reviews proceed. This suspension impacts various programs, from humanitarian aid to military funding.
Emergency food assistance, however, is exempt from this halt. The freeze also specifically allows foreign military funding for Israel and Egypt, ensuring critical support for these nations remains intact. The sweeping review will determine whether foreign aid allocations align with the US’s strategic interests.
Former State Department officials have warned that the freeze could disrupt vital global programs. Josh Paul, a former senior official, called the suspension a potentially huge blow, especially for humanitarian demining efforts.
Similarly, former USAID director Dave Harden noted that critical water sanitation and shelter projects may face immediate halts during the review process. While the freeze will undoubtedly affect various aid programs, it raises concerns about ongoing aid provisions for nations like Ukraine, which had been a significant beneficiary under Biden’s administration.
Depending on the outcome of the review, the US foreign aid freeze could shape global diplomacy for months. In the meantime, the State Department continues to offer limited expectations to ensure vital support can reach those in immediate need.
