Recently, US President Donald Trump ordered a stop to foreign aid except for military funding to Israel and Egypt. The State Department received an order to stop all financial aid programs in this regard until it reviews if aid is aligned with Trump’s new policies. The instant decision of Trump regarding the blocking of all aid worsens the situation and affects millions on a global level.
The United States is the world’s largest donor, as it provided about $72 billion in aid in 2023. Critics now argue that preventing aid leads to much suffering. Former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk called it dangerous. The 90-day review of Trump has a special purpose as he wants to control extra spending. However, according to experts, this decision by Donald Trump will not prove beneficial for many communities across the world.
At the same time, the administration focuses on policy changes; this move could increase the worldwide crisis. Leaders across the world fear that stopping aid will enhance hunger, disease, and instability. Trump’s strong stance on overseas expenditure is demonstrated by the choice, but there may be a high human cost.
Trump’s aid-blocking decision weakened US influences
The majority of US foreign aid has been suspended, with the exception of military aid to Egypt and Israel, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This decision, which was disclosed in a State Department document, marks a dramatic change in US foreign policy and will have far-reaching effects on countries that rely on US assistance.
According to an internal memo, no new funds will be approved for awards or extensions without ensuring alignment with President Trump’s agenda. The suspension is a component of a broader initiative to match foreign aid expenditures with the policy objectives of the Trump administration.
Humanitarian aid cuts while military funding continues
Numerous aid initiatives, including military assistance to important allies like Ukraine, are anticipated to be suspended by the decision. The United States provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military assistance to fight Russian aggression under President Joe Biden. However, Rubio’s memo makes clear that Egypt and Israel would continue to receive military support without interruption.
Particularly after its war with Hamas, Israel, a vital US ally in the Middle East, depends significantly on US weaponry supplies. Another longtime recipient, Egypt has benefited greatly from defense spending since signing a peace accord with Israel in 1979.
President Donald Trump imposed a 90-day block on foreign aid shortly after becoming in office, pending a thorough assessment of its efficacy. This delay is clarified by Rubio’s memo, which also highlights the freeze’s wide-ranging effects on aid for development, health, and education.
Along with Israel and Egypt, Trump has decided to provide military aid to many other nations in 2025. It includes Ukraine, Taiwan, and multiple countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The main purpose of this military funding is to counter regional threats and strengthen alliances. The central focus of the aid is for Lebanon to control Iranian influence in the region and maintain stability.
The legitimacy of the suspension has been questioned by congressional critics, who point out that Congress controls the federal budget, which includes foreign aid. According to one congressional source, stopping US aid might drive international allies to look for cash from rivals like China and Russia, reducing US influence worldwide. US-funded programs around the world have already been affected by the freeze. The memo instructed agencies to cease all operations until Rubio examined each situation. A former USAID official called the scenario “manufactured chaos” and warned that vital services, such as programs for food security, maternity health care, and HIV/AIDS treatment, are in danger.
For instance, vital aid initiatives in Ukraine, such as immunization campaigns and emergency maternity care, have been put on hold.
