On his first full day in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending all US foreign aid programmes for 90 days. The temporary freeze is intended to allow a comprehensive review of these programmes to ensure they align with Trump’s foreign policy objectives.
The Executive Order
According to the White House, the executive order aims to reassess the “industry and bureaucracy” of foreign aid, which it claims often conflicts with American values and interests.
The order states that in some cases, foreign aid destabilises global peace by promoting ideas in other countries that are counterproductive to harmonious and stable relationships, both internally and internationally.
The document further declares that no US foreign aid will be disbursed unless it is fully consistent with the president’s foreign policy.
Statement from the Administration
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing, outlined the administration’s approach to foreign aid.
“Every dollar we spend, every programme we fund, and every policy we pursue must answer three key questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” Rubio said.
Under the order, Rubio, or an official designated by him, will have the authority to make decisions about foreign aid disbursement after consulting with the Office of Management and Budget.
Agencies Affected
The State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary entities overseeing foreign aid, will be directly impacted by the freeze.
Both agencies are responsible for administering billions of dollars in annual assistance to countries worldwide, including development aid, humanitarian relief, and economic support programmes.
The suspension will halt funding for ongoing projects and delay new initiatives until the review is completed.
Rationale and Criticism
The Trump administration justifies the freeze as a necessary step to align foreign aid with America’s strategic goals. The White House argues that past programmes have often been wasteful or counterproductive, promoting policies that run contrary to US interests.
Critics, however, warn that the suspension could have serious humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. Aid organisations have expressed concerns that the freeze will disrupt critical programmes, including those providing food, healthcare, and education in crisis-affected regions. They also warn that the move could undermine US influence abroad, particularly in regions where aid serves as a tool for diplomacy and stabilisation.
Opponents in Congress have questioned whether the review will prioritise America’s long-standing commitments to its allies and the global community. Democratic lawmakers have called for greater transparency in the review process, citing fears that the freeze could lead to cuts in funding for essential programmes.
Impact on US Foreign Policy
The executive order underscores Trump’s broader vision of a more transactional and results-driven foreign policy. By focusing on whether aid directly benefits US security and prosperity, the administration aims to shift resources away from traditional development goals toward initiatives that align more closely with national interests.
This move also reflects Trump’s campaign promise to reassess America’s role on the global stage, emphasising domestic priorities over international commitments. While this approach has resonated with some voters, it has sparked debate over the future of US leadership in global development and humanitarian efforts.
What Comes Next
The 90-day review period will likely involve intense scrutiny of existing programmes, with decisions about their continuation hinging on their perceived alignment with Trump’s foreign policy goals. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how the US allocates its foreign aid budget and prioritises international partnerships.
Read also:
Donald Trump’s Approach to the Russia-Ukraine War: A Shift in US Policy?
