In a significant policy shift, The U.S. State Department has enacted an immediate suspension of the majority of foreign aid programs, following an executive order from President Donald Trump. This suspension, intended to last 90 days, aims to reassess and realign foreign assistance with the administration’s strategic objectives.
The directive mandates a comprehensive “stop-work order” on existing foreign aid initiatives, encompassing a wide array of programs in health, education, and development sectors. Notably, military assistance to Israel and Egypt, as well as emergency food aid, are exempt from this pause.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is tasked with overseeing this extensive review. He has instructed that new funding disbursements be postponed and that ongoing activities cease until the evaluation is completed, a process expected to take up to 85 days. .
The executive order reflects President Trump’s “America First” policy, emphasizing that foreign aid should prioritize America’s safety, strength, and prosperity. The administration seeks to ensure that aid programs align with U.S. strategic interests and values.
Once the administration is capable of discerning which programs create benefit for the American people and which ones effectively waste taxpayer dollars, Trump will be able to live up to his promise of being an America First President. This plan also falls in line with President Trump’s aim to make government spending more efficient and less wasteful.
