The U.S. State Department, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has put almost all foreign aid on hold globally, with exceptions for Israel and Egypt. This decision is effective immediately and applies to every dollar spent under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for programs worldwide. From counter-terrorism training in Somalia to HIV treatment in Uganda, many U.S.-funded assistance programs around the globe are now jeopardized.

“Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, U.S.

Marco Rubio has set a deadline of 85 days to conduct a comprehensive review of all U.S.-funded foreign assistance.

According to the current understanding of the order, it does not affect U.S. military assistance to foreign nations but impacts only civilian-centric aid programs, particularly those funded by USAID.

Ukraine President has confirmed that, as of now, U.S. has not terminated the military assistance to Ukraine.

“I am focused on military aid; it has not been stopped, thank God,”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President, Ukraine

Future of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine: Is It Next on the Chopping Block?

The future of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine is definitely uncertain and most probably the next on the chopping block. President Trump has repeatedly criticized massive funds being sent to Ukraine in the form of aids and military assistance. Before leaving office, the Biden administration expedited military aid to Ukraine due to concerns about whether Trump would continue the support. However, approximately $3.85 billion in congressionally approved funds remain available for future arms shipments to Ukraine, and it is now up to Trump to decide whether to allocate it.

“we’re sending billions to Ukraine while our own infrastructure and borders are neglected.”

Donald Trump, President, U.S.

USAID and partner organizations have expressed concerns about this order from Marco Rubio, which includes immediate “stop work” instructions that are completely unhelpful to ongoing programs. This order from Secretary of State has been sent to all U.S. embassies worldwide in a cable.

“By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration is threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis, and abandoning the United States’ long-held bipartisan approach to foreign assistance which supports people based on need, regardless of politics,”

Abby Maxman, head of Oxfam America

An immediate freezing of all U.S. Aid & Assistance Programs worldwide is beginning to shock the world, with grim consequences unfolding. Many Projects funded by USAID programs are under severe constraints and the local governments are under tremendous pressure to fill in the gaps.

In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, where U.S. aid has played a critical role in addressing poverty and conflict, the effects could be particularly severe.

As the world reacts to this sudden decision, questions are rising about the long-term implications for U.S. foreign relations and global stability. Observers & Experts will be watching closely as the administration conducts its promised reviews and as Congress debates potential legislative responses.