Donald Trump has halted foreign aid for 90 days
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday temporarily suspending all U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days while reviews are conducted to assess whether they align with his administration’s policy priorities.
The order did not specify how much assistance would be immediately impacted, as many programs have already been appropriated funds by Congress and those funds are either obligated or already spent. The directive, one of several issued by Trump on his first day back in office, criticized the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy,” stating that they are “not aligned with American interests and, in many cases, antithetical to American values.” The order claimed such programs “destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that conflict with harmonious and stable internal and international relations.”
Trump’s executive order declared that no U.S. foreign assistance would be distributed unless it is “fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States.”
Secretary of State to Oversee Reviews
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing, emphasized that U.S. foreign aid must answer three critical questions:
- Is it in the interest of the American people?
- Does it advance the administration's foreign policy?
- Is it an efficient use of taxpayer dollars?
Under the executive order, Rubio or his designated representative will determine the alignment of foreign aid programs, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will oversee the reviews.
Trump’s Longstanding Criticism of Foreign Aid
Trump has consistently criticized U.S. foreign aid, which typically accounts for about 1% of the federal budget, except during extraordinary circumstances like the billions of dollars allocated to Ukraine for defense against Russia’s invasion. He has previously expressed disapproval of the significant aid provided to Ukraine.
According to the most recent data from December 2023, the Biden administration reported that $68 billion in foreign aid had been allocated for various programs, including disaster relief, health initiatives, and pro-democracy efforts in 204 countries and regions.
Likely Impact on Key Aid Recipients
Major aid recipients, such as Israel ($3.3 billion annually), Egypt ($1.5 billion annually), and Jordan ($1.7 billion annually), are unlikely to see significant cuts. These aid packages are tied to long-term agreements, some governed by treaties.
However, funding for United Nations agencies, including peacekeeping, human rights, and refugee programs, may face reductions. Republican administrations have historically targeted these areas for cuts. During Trump’s first term, his administration suspended payments to several U.N. agencies, including the U.N. Population Fund, and halted funding to the Palestinian Authority.
The U.S. had already exited the U.N. Human Rights Council during Trump’s previous presidency, removing associated financial obligations. Additionally, a bill signed by President Joe Biden in March 2023 barred U.S. funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).