Washington, D.C. — In a major policy shift that has sent shockwaves around the world, the U.S. government has officially suspended all foreign aid, except to two nations—Israel and Egypt. The move comes after President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14169, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” which calls for a sweeping review of how American taxpayer dollars are spent globally.
The policy, effective January 24, 2025, halts development programs, humanitarian relief, and other forms of aid to countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. However, Israel and Egypt remain unaffected due to their strategic importance to U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.
Who’s Affected by the Freeze?
The decision is already being felt worldwide, particularly in regions that rely heavily on U.S. funding.
- Global Health Programs: Life-saving initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have been hit hard. Clinics in places like South Africa and Uganda are shutting down, leaving thousands without vital HIV medications.
- Refugee Support Services: Refugee camps and support networks in countries such as Myanmar and Thailand have seen immediate cutbacks. Critical food, medical, and shelter assistance have stopped, affecting displaced populations.
- Development Projects: Programs designed to address poverty, violence, and migration in Central America have been paused. Offices meant to provide safety and stability in countries like Guatemala and Colombia are shutting their doors.
Why Israel and Egypt Were Spared
While most countries face a sudden aid freeze, Israel and Egypt were explicitly exempted due to their unique roles in U.S. foreign policy:
- Israel: As one of America’s closest allies, Israel receives billions in military aid annually. This support is critical for maintaining its defense systems and protecting it from regional threats.
- Egypt: A key player in the Middle East, Egypt plays a vital role in counterterrorism efforts and maintaining peace with Israel under a historic treaty. The U.S. provides significant military support to help Egypt counter extremist groups and secure the region.
Why Did the U.S. Take This Drastic Step?
According to the administration, the temporary suspension is meant to identify which programs are truly serving American interests. A State Department spokesperson stated that this review is necessary to “eliminate waste and stop funding programs that don’t align with U.S. values.”
Critics, however, argue that the sudden freeze will have devastating humanitarian consequences. “This is going to cost lives,” warned a representative from an international aid group. The United Nations has also voiced concerns about food shortages and health crises worsening in affected regions.
Mixed Reactions at Home and Abroad
The decision has triggered a heated debate both within the U.S. and internationally:
- Humanitarian organizations are warning that suspending aid could lead to widespread hunger, disease, and political instability in vulnerable regions.
- Domestic critics argue that the policy undermines America’s image as a global leader in humanitarian efforts and opens the door for China and Russia to increase their influence in regions where the U.S. has pulled back.
- Supporters of the policy claim that American taxpayers deserve to know their money is being used efficiently and strategically.
What’s Next?
The 90-day review period is expected to conclude in late April, after which the administration will decide which programs will be reinstated and which will be permanently cut. However, pressure is mounting to allow certain exemptions for life-saving programs like food and medical aid.
For now, the freeze remains in place, leaving millions of people and numerous governments scrambling to find alternative sources of support.
