President Trump’s suspension of foreign aid aligns with his ‘America First’ agenda, impacting billions globally and raising concerns over lives at risk. The U.S. has provided extensive aid in the past, and the current freeze has drawn criticism from various humanitarian organizations. A review led by Secretary of State Rubio will assess the future of these assistance programs amidst ongoing exemptions.
Recently, President Donald Trump initiated a temporary freeze on foreign assistance, aligning with his ‘America First’ policy. This decision halts billions of dollars in funding worldwide, causing significant concern among aid groups that warn many lives may be at risk. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the U.S. will no longer allocate funds without expectations of returns for American taxpayers, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy.
As the largest international donor, the U.S. contributes significantly to global aid, disbursing approximately $72 billion in 2023 to nearly 180 countries. The suspension of aid, particularly affecting health and humanitarian programs, poses serious risks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a 90-day review to determine the status of various assistance programs while certain exemptions are made for missions deemed critical, such as emergency food programs.
The implications of this aid suspension are profound, particularly for nations reliant on U.S. support for health and development initiatives. Organizations such as the UN and Oxfam America stress that the funding halted could lead to dire consequences for vulnerable populations. As the review proceeds, the potential for restored funding or further cutbacks remains uncertain, leaving those dependent on aid in a precarious position.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
