Sat Jan 25 07:31:11 IST 2025: **Trump Administration Freezes Nearly All US Foreign Aid**

Washington, D.C. – In a sweeping move, the U.S. State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has implemented a freeze on nearly all new funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs. The order, effective immediately, is a direct result of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this week and halts billions of dollars in funding for global projects supporting health, education, development, and security assistance.

Exemptions to the freeze include emergency food programs, such as those addressing the famine in Sudan, and military aid to Israel and Egypt. Notably, however, life-saving health initiatives, including the globally acclaimed PEPFAR AIDS program, have been included in the freeze, which is expected to last at least three months. This has sparked strong criticism from humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam America, which warns of potentially life-threatening consequences for vulnerable populations.

The decision has also left uncertainty surrounding U.S. military aid to Ukraine, with approximately $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding currently awaiting President Trump’s decision. The Biden administration had already disbursed some funds before leaving office due to concerns about the Trump administration’s intentions.

The State Department’s order is part of a broader Republican effort to scrutinize U.S. aid spending. Republican Representative Brian Mast, the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has pledged to examine every aspect of the State Department’s budget. The administration claims the freeze is necessary to review and ensure the effectiveness and alignment of aid programs with President Trump’s foreign policy. A comprehensive review is expected to be completed within three months. The freeze has already resulted in immediate “stop-work” orders for many aid organizations, potentially leading to the cessation of numerous crucial projects worldwide.

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