Washington: In a significant policy shift, the Donald Trump administration, which recently assumed office, has announced a sweeping ban on foreign aid. This decision excludes only Israel and Egypt, as per a report by news agency AFP. Emergency food and military funding for these two nations will continue unaffected.
Ban on New Budgets
The report reveals details from an internal memo where Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated:
“No new funds will be released for fresh grants or extensions of existing grants until each proposal undergoes a thorough review and receives approval.”
This move aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, a central theme of his presidential campaign. The policy aims to curtail foreign aid spending, a promise he had made to American voters. This decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences on global development and military assistance programs.
Impact on Ukraine
Ukraine is likely to face severe repercussions from this decision. The country has been heavily reliant on US support to counter Russian aggression. Under Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, Ukraine received billions of dollars in military assistance. The AFP report further highlights that this directive will also pause funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for several months.
Global Implications
This policy change underscores a dramatic shift in the United States’ approach to international aid, prioritizing domestic interests over global commitments. The halting of new aid programs is expected to create ripple effects across various nations dependent on US support, particularly those embroiled in conflicts or humanitarian crises.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid, sparing only Israel and Egypt, marks a pivotal moment in US foreign policy. While the move is in line with the administration’s “America First” strategy, it raises concerns about the global impact of reduced US involvement in international aid and defense initiatives.