
Former President Donald Trump’s administration has implemented a 90-day pause on foreign aid, affecting Ukraine but sparing Israel and Egypt, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s enthusiastic support.
At a Glance
- Trump administration issues 90-day pause on foreign aid, excluding Israel and Egypt
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio mandates review of foreign assistance
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene celebrates the halt, particularly its impact on Ukraine
- Ukraine, reliant on U.S. for 40% of military needs, faces potential aid disruption
- Move aligns with Trump’s agenda to reassess U.S. foreign aid strategy
Trump Administration Halts Foreign Aid
In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, the Trump administration has initiated a 90-day pause on all foreign aid, with notable exceptions for Israel and Egypt. This decision, outlined in a State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, prohibits new foreign assistance obligations until a comprehensive review is completed.
The review, set to take place over 85 days, aims to ensure that foreign aid aligns with President Trump’s foreign policy objectives. Rubio’s memo states that the pause is designed to ensure that foreign assistance programs “are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy.”
Notably, Ukraine did not receive a waiver from this suspension, despite having been a significant recipient of U.S. aid in recent years.
That’s huge!
This decision has drawn particular attention from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch ally of former President Trump.
“President Trump and our new Secretary of State Marco Rubio just stopped all foreign aid to Ukraine and other countries, except Israel and Egypt. The State Department is shocked. The American people are not, we are celebrating,” Marjorie Taylor Greene said.
Greene’s endorsement of the aid suspension aligns with her previous criticisms of the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. The congresswoman’s celebration of the halt underscores the divide in U.S. politics regarding foreign aid, particularly concerning Ukraine.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
The suspension of foreign aid marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy strategy. In 2023, the United States allocated approximately $60 billion in foreign aid, representing about 1% of the national budget. This pause affects existing programs and has raised concerns among some international aid organizations.
“By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration is threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis, and abandoning the United States’ long-held bipartisan approach to foreign assistance which supports people based on need, regardless of politics,” Abby Maxman, President of Oxfam America, said.
While the halt includes exceptions for humanitarian food initiatives and military aid to Israel and Egypt, its impact on Ukraine has drawn particular attention. Ukraine relies on the United States for 40% of its military needs, and recent plans included $500 million in additional weapons.
As the 90-day review period progresses, the international community watches closely to see how this shift in U.S. foreign aid policy will affect global dynamics.
Trump isn’t wasting any time this term…