Stop Work Order Issued for U.S. Foreign Aid Projects
According to a Reuters report, the U.S. State Department has issued an immediate halt to most foreign aid following President Trump’s directive to reassess its alignment with his foreign policy.
According to a report from Reuters issued earlier today, the U.S. State Department has issued a broad halt to all foreign aid, following an order from President Donald Trump to review whether aid allocations align with his foreign policy. The directive, approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, immediately halts new aid obligations and suspends existing programs, except for military financing to Israel and Egypt. The freeze could impact billions of dollars in aid. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in foreign assistance, making it the largest global donor.
The State Department's internal communication indicates that stop-work orders have already been issued for ongoing projects. Rubio will review aid programs over the next 85 days, during which waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Rubio has approved waivers for foreign military financing to Israel and Egypt, which collectively receive billions in annual aid. Other nations slated for military funding in 2025, include Ukraine and Taiwan.
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