The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has ordered a halt to nearly all foreign aid, but has made exceptions for military assistance to Israel and Egypt, according to an internal memo from the US State Department. The memo states that no new funding will be allocated for new awards or extensions until they are reviewed and approved in line with President Trump's agenda.
This order impacts various types of aid, including development and military assistance, which could affect aid to Ukraine, where the US previously provided significant military support under previous leadership. Immediately after taking office, Trump initiated a 90-day pause in foreign aid to review its efficiency and alignment with his foreign policy, although the full extent of the funding cuts is not yet clear, given congressional budget authority. A source claims that this order is unlawful, warning that freezing international investments could lead US allies to seek funding from competing nations.
According to the memo, senior officials must ensure no new obligations are made for foreign assistance until Rubio makes decisions after his review. Existing awards will face stop-work orders until they are reviewed. A former USAID official described the situation as "manufactured chaos," noting that it could halt vital health services and other projects. Reports indicate that USAID personnel working on projects in Ukraine have been instructed to cease their activities, including crucial health and education support.
Rubio's review process will continue for around 85 days, during which he can approve waivers as needed. He has already granted a waiver for emergency food assistance. This shift in policy occurs as humanitarian aid flows into Gaza following a ceasefire and as other global hunger crises emerge.
The memo specifies that waivers have been granted for military financing to Israel and Egypt, which receive significant annual funding from the US$3. 3 billion for Israel and approximately $1. 3 billion for Egypt. Other countries mentioned for military financing in 2025 include Ukraine, Georgia, and several Southeast Asian nations, along with efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces against Iranian influence.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/24/foreign-aid-israel-egypt
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