Critics have raised concerns about an executive order from the Trump administration, which they argue jeopardizes the United States’ global standing and reliability. The order temporarily freezes most U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, leading to disruptions in programs aimed at combating starvation, deadly diseases, and providing shelter for displaced populations worldwide.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.), responsible for delivering humanitarian aid, has been significantly impacted. President Trump has accused the agency of widespread corruption and fraud without providing substantiating evidence. Consequently, thousands of U.S.A.I.D. workers have been ordered to return from overseas, and all direct hires, including Foreign Service officers, have been placed on indefinite administrative leave while oversight has shifted to the State Department.
On Thursday, the administration outlined plans to reduce U.S.A.I.D.’s workforce from over 10,000 to potentially a few hundred employees. Despite a judge temporarily blocking aspects of these measures, the freeze on aid remains in place.
Opponents of the executive order warn that it will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe and undermine the United States’ influence and reliability internationally.
The United States allocated nearly $72 billion for foreign assistance in 2023, covering U.S.A.I.D., the State Department, and programs managed by various agencies. U.S.A.I.D. specifically invested about $38 billion in health services, disaster relief, and anti-poverty initiatives, constituting less than 1 percent of the federal budget.
The aid freeze excludes military support for allies such as Israel and Egypt, as well as emergency food assistance. In 2023, Ukraine received the largest share of U.S. assistance, totaling $16.6 billion, primarily for economic development and humanitarian aid. Israel followed with $3.3 billion, mainly for security purposes.
U.S. foreign aid is typically allocated through various channels, including direct assistance to countries, military support, food and medical aid, or technical expertise. It can also serve strategic interests by strengthening alliances and preventing conflicts.
Despite claims to the contrary, U.S. funding has not been misused to supply condoms to Gaza, according to health officials. Instead, funded operations have included the establishment of field hospitals and maternal health assistance.
The freeze on foreign aid has been justified by the Trump administration as a necessary measure to review potential waste in funding. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized a need to ensure that expenses align with national interests, leading to dramatic changes within U.S.A.I.D.
As a result of the aid freeze, many organizations have ceased operations, leading to severe consequences. Hundreds of senior officials have been laid off, halting dozens of clinical trials and disrupting critical health services. In regions like South Africa and Uganda, vital health programs and studies have been put on hold.
The reaction to the executive order has included pushback from Democratic lawmakers, who contend that the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. may be illegal. Two unions representing U.S.A.I.D. employees have filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that the actions violate constitutional principles and the separation of powers.
A U.S. District Court Judge has indicated intentions to issue a temporary restraining order, pausing the administrative leave of U.S.A.I.D. employees and challenging the plan to withdraw most overseas personnel.