The U.S. State Department has issued a halt to all foreign assistance programs, with limited exceptions, as part of a sweeping review mandated by the Trump administration. According to an internal memo distributed to U.S. embassies and officials abroad, all existing aid programs will be paused, and new funding will be withheld until a comprehensive assessment is completed within 85 days.

The memo outlines that emergency food aid and military financing for Israel and Egypt are the only exceptions to the freeze. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity of this measure to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance aligns with the administration’s foreign policy objectives and delivers maximum benefit to American interests.

Review Process and Justifications

The internal directive calls for a “stop-work” order on all foreign assistance projects, with further decisions on their continuation or termination to be made after the review. The memo explicitly states that no new funds will be obligated for new or extended awards without approval. This aligns with President Trumpsexecutive orderearlier this week, which instituted a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance for a review of its efficiency and consistency with U.S. foreign policy goals.

Secretary Rubios justification for the freeze centers on concerns over duplication, inefficiency, and alignment with national interests. He stated, It is impossible for this administration to assess whether existing foreign aid commitments are effective and consistent with President Trumps foreign policy without this comprehensive review.

Scope and Exceptions

Despite the broad freeze, waivers have been issued for specific types of aid. Emergency food assistance remains unaffected to address immediate humanitarian needs in crises such as those in Gaza, Sudan, and other regions experiencing severe hunger. Additionally, military financing for Israel and Egypt, continues uninterrupted. Administrative expenses related to these programs are also exempt from the freeze.

The memo also identified other nations slated to receive foreign military financing in 2025, including Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Taiwan, and several others, as per a previous request to Congress under the Biden administration. However, these commitments remain under review.

Impacts on Humanitarian Programs

The freeze has already caused disruptions. A USAID official toldReutersthat programs in Ukraine, including support for schools and health initiatives like emergency maternal care and childhood vaccinations, have been suspended. Officers responsible for these projects have been instructed to halt all work, the official said.

The U.S. is the largest internationalaid donorin the world. This decision has far-reaching implications for global development programs, military aid, and humanitarian relief efforts.

Critics argue that this halt comes at a precarious time for global humanitarian needs, especially in regions recovering from conflict or facing acute crises. Humanitarian aid to Gaza, for instance, has surged following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Advocates for international development warn that a prolonged freeze could exacerbate suffering in vulnerable populations worldwide.

Supporters of the move argue that it is necessary to eliminate waste and ensure that U.S. funds are spent strategically. Secretary Rubio has previously stated that all U.S. spending abroad should make America stronger, safer, or more prosperous.