Trump Administration Suspends Foreign Aid, Sparing Israel and Egypt

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The US State Department on Friday announced an immediate freeze on new funding for nearly all foreign assistance programs, with limited exceptions for emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel and Egypt. The directive, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio through a cable to US embassies worldwide, follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier in the week.

The freeze threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in US-funded initiatives globally, impacting health, education, development, job training, anti-corruption efforts, and security assistance. The United States, the world’s largest provider of foreign aid, allocated approximately $60 billion to such programs in 2023—about 1% of the federal budget.

Among the exemptions to the freeze are emergency food programs, such as those addressing the famine crisis in war-torn Sudan. However, the decision notably excludes life-saving health programs, including the renowned President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), credited with saving 25 million lives since its inception under President George W. Bush. Humanitarian groups expressed alarm, warning of dire consequences for vulnerable populations.

“Suspending funding could have life-or-death consequences for children and families around the world,” said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. “This decision abandons the United States’ bipartisan tradition of foreign assistance based on need, regardless of politics.”

The freeze has already led to stop-work orders for several aid projects, with organizations halting operations to avoid incurring costs. A former senior official at the US Agency for International Development, speaking anonymously, confirmed that many programs would likely cease immediately under the directive.

The international community has voiced concern over the decision. At the United Nations, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq noted, “These are bilateral decisions, but we expect nations with the capability to generously fund development assistance.”

Critics also highlighted the absence of exemptions for military aid to Ukraine. While military assistance to Israel and Egypt remains unaffected, the fate of $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funds for Ukraine now rests with President Trump. The Biden administration had expedited previous aid to Ukraine amid uncertainties about future US support.

Humanitarian officials, policymakers, and aid organizations are urging the administration to reconsider the freeze, emphasizing the critical need for US-funded programs that save lives and foster global stability.