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Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly issued an order pausing most existing foreign aid grants for 90 days, a move that has raised questions among State Department officials and foreign aid recipients. The directive, which was sent to diplomatic and consular posts, instructs staff to issue “stop-work orders” on nearly all foreign assistance programs, effective immediately.

The order follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive directive to review foreign aid spending but appears to expand its scope by including previously appropriated funds. Certain exemptions, such as military financing for Egypt and Israel and emergency food assistance, are outlined in the guidance.

The broad halt in aid disbursements has led to uncertainty among U.S. officials and international partners, particularly regarding assistance to key allies such as Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan. While the document allows for some flexibility, it specifies that further decisions on existing programs will be made upon the completion of the department’s review.

The State Department has yet to comment publicly on the scope of the review but officials have indicated that national security and humanitarian priorities will be taken into account throughout the process.