Donald Trump suspends foreign aid for 90 days to reassess spending

In a significant move on his first day back in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending all foreign aid programs for 90 days. This pause allows for a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with his administration’s policy priorities. Key agencies such as USAID and the State Department will lead the review, potentially impacting aid to countries like Israel, Egypt, and Ukraine.

The executive order underscores Trump's longstanding criticism of foreign aid, arguing that it often undermines US interests and global stability. "No US foreign assistance should support policies that conflict with peaceful international relations or fail to promote American interests," Trump stated.

A Policy-Driven Approach

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized during his confirmation hearing that all foreign aid spending would be evaluated based on three key questions:

Does it make America safer?

Does it make America stronger?

Does it make America more prosperous?

Rubio, in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget, will oversee the alignment process. Despite comprising just 1% of the federal budget, foreign aid remains a contentious issue, with critics like Trump pointing to substantial funds sent to Ukraine as an example of misaligned priorities.

Aid Agreements and Historical Context

Major aid recipients, such as Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, are expected to remain largely unaffected due to long-standing agreements. However, this reassessment could impact other nations and UN-related programs. Historically, Republican administrations have scrutinized UN funding, with Trump previously cutting contributions to the UN Population Fund and withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council.

The Bigger Picture

According to data from the Biden administration in December 2023, the US allocated $68 billion for foreign aid, supporting disaster relief, health initiatives, and pro-democracy efforts across more than 200 countries. While Trump’s executive order sparks debate, it highlights a broader shift toward a more focused and strategic approach to foreign aid under his leadership.