State Department freezes billions in foreign aid: Will Trump’s action save money or cost lives? State Department freezes billions in foreign aid: Will Trump’s action save money or cost lives?

The US government’s foreign aid programs are facing an unprecedented freeze, which could put millions of lives at risk around the world.

The new Minister of Foreign Affairs Marco Rubio He issued a sweeping order on Friday freezing new funding for most US foreign aid. Reports CNBC.

However, there are exceptions for emergency food aid and military aid to Israel and Egypt. This move affects billions of dollars in foreign aid programs.

The freeze followed an executive order signed by the president earlier in the week Donald TrumpIt will temporarily suspend billions of dollars in U.S. funding for vital programs aimed at supporting health, education, development, job training, and anti-corruption efforts globally.

It also affects US security assistance to its allies and humanitarian relief operations, including life-saving health initiatives such as HIV/AIDS programs.

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The order, which Secretary Rubio sent to US embassies around the world, comes in response to Trump’s pledge to limit foreign aid. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organisations, who have warned that the freeze could have catastrophic consequences for vulnerable populations.

Among the programs most affected is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a globally recognized initiative that has saved the lives of 25 million people, including 5.5 million children, since its inception in 2003, CNBC adds.

While emergency food programs, such as those helping millions in famine-stricken Sudan, are exempt from the freeze, health programs such as immunization efforts and maternity care are not.

This prompted many relief organizations to immediately halt operations, unsure of how to proceed without funding.

In response, Abby MaxmanThe report adds that the head of Oxfam America described this step as “devastating,” stressing the “life or death consequences” for children and families suffering from crises. She also criticized the administration’s abandonment of a long-standing bipartisan approach to foreign aid, which prioritizes need over policy.

The freeze is part of a broader effort by Republicans, led by Rep. Brian Mastto scrutinize US foreign aid, ensure it is consistent with the administration’s policy goals and reduce what they consider unnecessary spending.

As the freeze is implemented, the future of US foreign aid will be reviewed, and an official report is expected within three months.

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