The United States administration has announced a temporary halt on almost all new funding for foreign assistance programs, with notable exceptions made for Israel and Egypt. The US State Department revealed the freeze on Friday, highlighting that while military aid to these allies will continue, emergency food programs are also exempt. However, health initiatives that provide life-saving services have not been spared from this decision. The freeze is expected to last for at least three months and has already led to work-stop orders for several international aid projects.
In 2023, the US led the world in foreign assistance, spending over $60 billion. This recent decision has notably impacted the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and programs such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR, which has saved approximately 25 million lives since its inception, had its funding extended through March 2025, but this extension falls within the three-month freeze period.
Jeremy Konyndyk, a former USAID official, voiced his strong disapproval of the freeze.
“This will kill people. I mean, if implemented as written in that cable … a lot of people will die.” – Jeremy Konyndyk
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tasked senior officials with determining whether to continue, modify, or terminate ongoing programs during this freeze. The decision has sparked widespread concern among humanitarian organizations and experts in the field.
Abby Maxman, head of Oxfam America, expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of this funding pause.
“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
The freeze poses significant challenges for aid programs globally. With essential health services impacted, many fear that vulnerable populations will suffer greatly. The decision reflects a shift in US foreign policy priorities, focusing on specific strategic alliances while others face uncertainty.
