U.S. Halts Foreign Aid Pending Review, Leaked Memo Shows.
The U.S. State Department has stopped all foreign aid for now. A leaked memo says no new aid can start, and existing aid must also pause.
President Trump ordered the freeze on Monday. He wants a 90-day review of all aid. The U.S. is the world's biggest aid donor, spending $68 billion in 2023.
The memo makes a few exceptions. These include food aid and some military aid. All other aid is on hold until further notice.
Officials must review all aid in 85 days and check whether it aligns with Trump's goals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants aid to make America stronger and safer.
Experts say the pause could have a huge impact. It may stop important projects around the world, ranging from removing land mines to providing water and shelter.
Dave Harden used to oversee U.S. aid in the Middle East. He said the order is very broad and affects aid that has already been approved and used.
The freeze might also impact Ukraine. It got billions in weapons from the U.S. under President Biden.
Rubio says the review is needed to ensure that aid is effective and not redundant. He has allowed food aid to keep flowing as Gaza receives more aid after a ceasefire.
The memo says Israel and Egypt can still get some military aid. The State Department has not yet commented on the report.
The U.S. State Department has stopped all foreign aid for now. A leaked memo says no new aid can start, and existing aid must also pause.
President Trump ordered the freeze on Monday. He wants a 90-day review of all aid. The U.S. is the world's biggest aid donor, spending $68 billion in 2023.
The memo makes a few exceptions. These include food aid and some military aid. All other aid is on hold until further notice.
Officials must review all aid in 85 days and check whether it aligns with Trump's goals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants aid to make America stronger and safer.
Experts say the pause could have a huge impact. It may stop important projects around the world, ranging from removing land mines to providing water and shelter.
Dave Harden used to oversee U.S. aid in the Middle East. He said the order is very broad and affects aid that has already been approved and used.
The freeze might also impact Ukraine. It got billions in weapons from the U.S. under President Biden.
Rubio says the review is needed to ensure that aid is effective and not redundant. He has allowed food aid to keep flowing as Gaza receives more aid after a ceasefire.
The memo says Israel and Egypt can still get some military aid. The State Department has not yet commented on the report.
