Trump administration has ordered a sweeping freeze on US foreign aid, aligning it with the “America First” policy. A sharply-worded memo issued on Saturday to over 10,000 US Agency for International Development (USAID) staff outlined expectations for reshaping aid distribution globally.
The directive, part of a broader 90-day pause initiated shortly after Trump’s return to office, calls for a comprehensive review to ensure foreign assistance aligns with US foreign policy priorities. A Friday “stop-work” order from the State Department suspended existing and appropriated aid programs worldwide, raising questions about the future of billions in life-saving assistance.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to transform foreign assistance for decades to come,” wrote Ken Jackson, USAID’s assistant to the administrator for management and resources. The memo, authenticated by multiple sources, emphasized that failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.
The freeze excludes emergency humanitarian food aid and travel waivers for returning government officials, though waivers require dual approval from USAID leadership and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. All other programs face intense scrutiny during the review.
US, the largest global aid donor, provided $72 billion in 2023, covering 42% of all UN-tracked humanitarian aid in 2024. However, the freeze has left aid organizations scrambling to assess its impact, particularly in regions like famine-stricken Sudan, where the US delivered 45% of humanitarian aid last year.
United Nations and relief agencies have voiced concern over the halt’s implications, warning it could jeopardize life-saving operations. “Hunger doesn’t just mean empty stomachs; it leads to severe health risks and even death,” said Deepmala Mahla, chief humanitarian officer for CARE.
Despite emergency food aid exceptions, other critical services to treat malnutrition and starvation remain in limbo, raising alarm over the survival of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.