Trump’s strict foreign funding freeze has sent shockwaves through international aid groups, causing widespread panic. Nearly 60 senior USAID employees were placed on leave after news surfaced of a 90-day pause on most U.S. foreign aid programs. Internal communications reviewed by ABC News revealed that the Trump administration plans to enforce an executive order mandating this freeze as part of a broader review process.
President Trump has faced criticism for his approach, with his own speech during the House Republicans’ retreat highlighting the country’s “hate us” mentality. A memo sent to USAID staff emphasized their responsibility to adhere to Trump’s directive and warned that securing waivers for continued funding would be difficult. Ken Jackson, a top USAID official, stressed that all programs will undergo scrutiny, with exceptions only allowed for emergency humanitarian aid and travel-related expenses.
The freeze has already had significant impacts on the U.S. government and international aid groups. Acting USAID administrator Jason Gray accused the agency of circumventing Trump’s orders but provided no concrete evidence. State Department officials instructed their agencies to halt nearly all bilateral aid programs, further straining relationships with global partners like Oxfam and United Nations agencies.
President Trump’s administration has faced intense criticism for its handling of foreign relations, with many questioning whether the freeze was implemented without consulting Congress, which funds international aid through appropriations. While some within the aid community are calling for a reversal, others emphasize the need to maintain life-saving programs despite the temporary pause.
As tensions rise, the White House and administration have yet to provide further clarification on how they plan to address the situation. For now, the immediate focus remains on navigating this unprecedented shift in foreign aid policies and its ripple effects around the world.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trumps-strict-foreign-funding-freeze-sparks-panic-international/story?id=118159432