US suspends new funds for aid programmes, excepting Israel and Egypt
Trump administration freezes new funding for anti-HIV programme and other health services, excepts key food programmes.
A statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sent to US embassies around the world in the form of a cable.
Humanitarian organisations immediately expressed alarm at the directive, voicing fears that it could contribute to global instability and loss of life.
DAVOS ( WEB NEWS )
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has announced a freeze on almost all new funding for foreign assistance programmes, with exceptions for allies Israel and Egypt.
The order from the US State Department on Friday also includes exceptions for emergency food programmes, but not health programmes that supporters say provide vital, life-saving services.
In an accompanying memo, newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed senior officials to “ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no new obligations shall be made for foreign assistance”.
Humanitarian organisations immediately expressed alarm at the directive, voicing fears that it could contribute to global instability and loss of life.
“By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration is threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis, and abandoning the United States’ long-held bipartisan approach to foreign assistance which supports people based on need, regardless of politics,” Abby Maxman, head of Oxfam America, said in a statement.
Among the health programmes expected to experience a funding freeze is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also known as PEPFAR.
Experts estimate that PEPFAR has helped save as many as 25 million lives since it was first started.
Left untouched by the freeze is aid for Israel and Egypt, two of the largest recipients of US military assistance.
Both countries have faced scrutiny over their human rights records and calls to leverage US aid in exchange for substantial reforms.
Friday’s memo made special mention of waivers for “foreign military financing for Israel and Egypt and administrative expenses, including salaries, necessary to administer foreign military financing”.
There was no indication of a similar exemption for Ukraine, which largely relies on US weapons assistance in its fight to repel a Russian full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
A statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sent to US embassies around the world in the form of a cable. However, it excluded emergency food programs, such as those running in Sudan due to the risk of famine, which provide food assistance to millions. The cable references an executive order regarding the freezing of aid, signed by President Donald Trump on Monday. However, the order released on Friday did not include any exceptions for life-saving health programs, clinics, or vaccination programs, which has disappointed officials working with humanitarian organizations.
Among the programs whose funding has been frozen is the globally praised AIDS program, which will now only continue for an additional three months. According to the document, during this period, no new funds will be released, nor will any existing contracts be extended unless a new review and approval process is undertaken. This issue arose following the executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on Monday, which instructed a 90-day delay in foreign development aid to assess its effectiveness and alignment with foreign policy goals.
It is worth noting that the United States is the largest provider of international aid, having spent $68 billion in 2023, according to official figures. The Department of State’s memo will affect all forms of aid, from development assistance to military aid. The orders also specify that US officials must immediately halt operations as per the terms of the relevant contracts until a final decision is made. The memo orders a comprehensive review of all foreign aid programs within 85 days to ensure that the aid aligns with President Trump’s foreign policy objectives. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had stated that US expenditures and aid abroad will only proceed if they can demonstrate that they strengthen America, make it safer, or more prosperous.