
The United States froze nearly all foreign aid on Friday, allowing exceptions only for emergency food assistance and military funding for Israel and Egypt.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the directive days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, emphasizing an “America First” policy.
An internal memo obtained by AFP outlined that no new funds could be allocated or extended without individual review and approval.
This directive could impact all forms of assistance, including military aid to Ukraine, which received billions under the Biden administration.
However, military funding for Israel and Egypt remains untouched, as both nations are longstanding US allies with critical security ties.
Israel’s defense funding, expanded after the Gaza conflict, and Egypt’s aid, tied to its 1979 peace treaty with Israel, remain priorities.
Rubio, who previously supported humanitarian initiatives, also exempted emergency food contributions from the freeze.
The memo mandates a comprehensive review of all US foreign assistance within 85 days to align with the administration’s goals.