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In an unexpected move, Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, has halted nearly all current foreign aid initiatives, pending a comprehensive review to ensure their alignment with President Donald Trump’s policies. This directive, revealed through an internal communication obtained by the Financial Times, underscores a significant shift in approach.
This decision casts a shadow over numerous international aid agreements managed by Washington, notably through the US Agency for International Development, involving billions of dollars across various nations. Rubio’s directive, sent last Friday to the state department and USAID, pauses any new foreign aid payments. It mandates contracting and grant officers to issue immediate stop-work orders until he conducts a thorough examination.
The review is anticipated to span up to 85 days, potentially placing hundreds of US foreign aid contracts, valued at over $70 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, in a state of uncertainty for almost three months.
Furthermore, Rubio has centralized the approval process for all foreign aid disbursements, demanding that these be vetted personally by him as the Secretary of State. This approach effectively concentrates decision-making on international aid programs within his jurisdiction.
Rubio’s actions enforce an executive order signed by President Trump on his initial day in office. Trump criticized what he termed the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy,” claiming they often contradict American interests and values, and thus, demanded a suspension of aid.
In the early days of Trump’s second term at the helm, he has embarked on assertive measures to reorganize US government agencies to adhere strictly to his agenda.
Additionally, scientific entities like the National Institutes of Health are experiencing a standstill in grant activities due to the new administration’s review process, causing concern among researchers.
Notably, Rubio’s aid freeze does permit certain exceptions, such as military financing for Israel and Egypt, alongside emergency food aid. However, his notice stressed that, alongside suspending new and ongoing contracts, US agencies, encompassing USAID, should also cease issuing proposals for foreign aid projects.
Rubio issued a statement earlier this week, noting Trump’s directive for him to prioritize core national interests in American foreign policy. Among his primary objectives are addressing mass migration and eliminating climate policies perceived to undermine the nation.
“Every expenditure we make, every program we endorse, and every policy direction we follow must be supported by three critical questions: Does it enhance America’s safety? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”
The state department has been contacted for further comments.
